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About Us

The Workgroup for Public Policy Reform is a collaboration of organizations united by a common concern about hazardous chemicals in our homes, our bodies, and our environment; and by a common vision of a cleaner, healthier economy. These organizations are leading efforts to win laws and regulations that protect our families and communities from the devastating impacts of toxic chemicals and help shift our economy to safer products, green chemistry, and clean production.

Every day, we are exposed to hazardous chemicals linked to cancer, infertility, asthma, and other health problems that have been rapidly increasing. Unrestricted toxic chemicals are in our homes, schools and workplaces, and in our bodies, from sources such as toys, furniture, and cosmetics. These chemicals are often produced in areas, such as Louisiana’s Cancer Alley and other “hot spot” communities, where there are concentrations of dangerous and polluting facilities and high rates of diseases linked to chemical exposures. Toxic chemicals cause harm at each point along their life cycles. Fortunately, safer chemicals are often available – we just need the government and corporate will to make this transition.

The Workgroup for Public Policy Reform is part of Coming Clean, a collaborative of leading environmental health and justice experts and organizations working to transform the chemical and fossil fuel industries so they are no longer sources of pollution, disease, and harm.

We must pass laws that protect our health. Every day, people are exposed to hazardous chemicals linked to cancer, infertility, asthma, and other health problems that have been rising in prevalence in recent decades. These unregulated chemicals are in our homes, schools and workplaces, from sources such as toys, furniture and cosmetics. These chemicals are often produced in areas, such as Louisiana’s Cancer Alley and other “hot spot” communities, where there are concentrations of dangerous and polluting facilities and high rates of diseases linked to chemical exposures.

The Louisville Charter sets the standard for smart policy reform. The Louisville Charter for Safer Chemicals is a common platform for chemical policy reform created by environmental health and justice groups from across the US. The Charter's six background papers describe the key policy principles necessary to shift our economy to safer products and green chemistry.