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Normally I look forward to red carpet events, but I need to get off my chest how much I resent the list of nominees for Sunday's award ceremony (and not just because I'm not nominated!). The extensive careers of these questionable nominees highlight how flawed the chemical industry has become. I'm taking a stand for their immediate retirement and for much-needed reform to ensure similar detestable careers won't even get the chance to start.
I should probably clarify that I'm talking about the Toxies -- an annual satirical awards ceremony in Los Angeles that (dis)honors the most harmful and pervasive toxic chemicals and pollutants. While the nominee names may not be as recognizable (or pronounceable) to you as Emmy nominees, they are far more likely to play leading roles in your community and even your home.
Every week, we see another study linking chemicals in our homes, schools, and workplaces to cancer, infertility, autism, developmental disorders, and more. Scientists and public health advocates alike believe it is no coincidence that rates for these conditions in the population have risen parallel to our exposure to toxic chemicals.
This touched me personally when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was as confusing to us as it was heartbreaking. She had none of the risk factors, and eats and does all the right things. Together we have learned about the ubiquitous toxic exposures in our daily lives and our country's broken regulatory system that does not adequately protect us. In honor of my wife, who is now a survivor, I will be emceeing the Toxies this year to help attract the attention and political action needed to prevent the many cases of cancer and other diseases brought about by chemical overload.
