New California regulations require manufacturers to ensure recycling of an increasing percentage of thermostats or risk facing an enforcement order which could require costly fixes, according to news sources. “This is a watershed moment when it comes to this particular product and collection,” said David Lennett, senior attorney at the NRDC. Laws in Illinois and Rhode Island require similar rulemakings during 2014, Lennett blogged.
Monthly Archives: May 2013
Dentsply given ‘Wake-up’ Call by 23 Groups: Phase Out Mercury Fillings
At the annual meeting of the #2 U.S. amalgam manufacturer, a broad-based coalition of community, faith-based, and environmental groups called on Dentsply International to cease making amalgam. The speakers unveiled a letter from 23 organizations from Pennsylvania, around the nation, and from six continents — including several religious orders — calling for Dentsply to set a timetable to phase-out mercury amalgam, according to news reports. Shareholders also similarly weighed in.
U.S. advisory on mercury in fish tied up at health department
There was news coverage today of a letter sent last month by 40 scientists and NGOs, urging HHS Secretary Sebelius to expedite release of an updated consumer advisory. “This policy update needs to be sent out for comment to ensure it’s in line with the latest science.” said MPP Director Bender. Several months ago, Sebelius assured 22 US Senators that “…completing the updated advisory remains a priority for the Administration,” in response to an earlier letter from the senators to President Obama about the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Yet scientists pointed out to Sebelius in 2011 how they were flawed. To separate the facts from the ‘fishy’ fables, see: http://mercuryfactsandfish.org/.
Shareholders call on Danaher to Phase Out Dental Amalgam
Members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, the Investor Environmental Health Network and shareholders in the Danaher Corporation today released an open letter to the Board of Directors, which MPP supported, questioning the company’s failure to address dental mercury risks.