Judy Levin, Author at Center for Environmental Health

University of California takes a major step to protect the health of students and staff

Aug 13, 2020Judy LevinFlame Retardants, School Products

A week ago, the entire University of California (UC) system became the first public university system in the nation to sign CEH’s Purchaser Pledge for healthier furniture. These standards restrict the use of five key toxic chemical classes (flame retardants, fluorinated stain treatments…

You’ll Never Believe What Maine Just Did!

Aug 14, 2017Judy LevinChemical Industry, Flame Retardants, Laws & Regulations, Uncategorized

Here’s a new day for our health Maine just accomplished what no other state in the U.S. has managed to do: ban the sale of new upholstered furniture that have harmful and unnecessary flame retardant chemicals. This is an unprecedented move to protect children...

Fast Food and Furniture: A Toxic Connection

Mar 8, 2017Judy LevinUncategorized

You probably know that fast food is not “health food,” but you may not know that even the packaging in your fast food could be making you sick. According to a recent study, about 40% of the wrappers, containers and boxes used for fast food tested positive...

The Last of the Killer Couches

Nov 22, 2013Judy LevinChemical Industry, Children's Health, Flame Retardants, Laws & Regulations

I have hated my couch ever since I found out that it contained a cancer-causing flame retardant chemical. I have longed to get rid of it, but I felt stuck because virtually all furniture also has toxic and/or untested flame retardant chemicals. But now I see light at...

Flame Retardant Chemicals Front Group Goes Up in Smoke

Sep 18, 2012Judy LevinLaws & Regulations, Tips

More than two years ago, CEH exposed the dirty tricks and underhanded tactics used by a chemical industry front group called Citizens for Fire Safety (CFFS). More recently, we highlighted the front group’s fraud with this hilarious video. CFFS includes no actual...

Flaming Mad About Chemical Industry Lies

May 14, 2012Judy LevinChildren's Health, Flame Retardants, Laws & Regulations

CEH staff members have been consistently working on the problems surrounding flame retardants for the past 5 years. We have uncovered and exposed many of the lies and deceptions that the chemical industry has perpetuated, but never in my wildest dreams, could I have...

Mountain Dew Madness: What’s That Flame Retardant Doing in My Soda?

Feb 6, 2012Judy LevinChildren's Health, Flame Retardants, Food, Laws & Regulations, Tips

We all know that sodas are full of sugar, buy you may be surprised (and grossed out) to find that a chemical called brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a patented flame retardant, has also been added to approximately 10% of sodas for decades in North America. No need to...

Obama Leaves the Door Open for Toxic E-Waste Exports

Jul 28, 2011Judy LevinEnvironmental Justice, Laws & Regulations

Last week, the Obama Administration issued its long awaited report on federal policies to address the growing problem of e-waste. This report brought good news and bad news. The good news is that the report includes recommendations for promoting greener design, such...

Eco-Tip: Avoiding Toxic Chemicals in Kids PJ’s and other products

Mar 23, 2011Judy LevinChildren's Health, Flame Retardants, Laws & Regulations, Tips

Recently I got an email from a pregnant woman wondering about the safety of using hand-me-down pajamas for her newborn given the historic use of flame retardants in children’s sleepwear. The issue of flame retardants in sleepwear is not as straight forward for...

Holiday Shopping Guide for Finding Greener Electronics

Nov 23, 2010Judy LevinChildren's Health, Tips, Uncategorized

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approaching, many consumers have electronics at the top of their shopping lists. This holiday season, the average American is expected to spend over $230 (more than a third of their gift budget) on electronic products, up about...