Science and Policy

Meetings and retreats

During our meetings and retreats, participants from business, academia, government, and the nonprofit sector as well as the general public share information and develop creative initiatives to reduce the use of classes of chemicals of concern.  By focusing on decreasing the use of entire classes, we can stop the cycle of regrettable substitutions, where one harmful chemical is replaced by a related chemical that is later shown to cause similar harm.

Short background talks by distinguished scientists and industry leaders are followed by structured activities such as small and large group discussions, action plans, and commitments. Collaborations from prior retreats have helped advance government and business policies to protect human and environmental health from harmful chemicals.

Consensus statements 

The San Antonio Statement

The San Antonio Statement on Brominated and Chlorinated Flame Retardants documents the health, environmental, and fire safety concerns associated with these chemicals. We developed the statement in partnership with the International Panel on Chemical Pollution and the International POPs Elimination Network. More than 200 health and safety experts from 30 countries signed. You can read the statement here and find more information here.

The Madrid Statement

The Madrid Statement on Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) declares that the entire class of highly fluorinated chemicals is extremely persistent, potentially toxic, and should only be used when essential. We led the development of this consensus statement and unveiled it at the 2014 Dioxin symposium in Madrid, Spain. The statement was signed by more than 250 scientists from 38 countries. You can read it here and find more information here.

The Florence Statement

The Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban calls on governments and companies to limit the production and use of triclosan, triclocarban, and other antimicrobials. We drafted this statement with colleagues in academia and NGOs, and introduced it at the 2016 Dioxin symposium in Florence, Italy. The statement has over 200 signatories from 29 countries. Read the full statement here and find more information here.