The Pharos Project is a project of the Healthy Building Network. HBN is:

In Vermont:
Melissa Coffin, Bill Walsh

In California:
Tom Lent

In Washington, DC:
Larry Kilroy, Sarah Gilberg, Sarah Pickell, Susan Sabella

In Maine:
Jim Vallette

DECLINED BY NYT. WE STILL THINK WE’VE GOT A POINT.

Last week, the NYT ran an editorial on the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), which in closing advises “wise consumers try to avoid BPA.” HBN’s letter to the editor was declined. Other fine letters were printed – but none making our point: wise consumers must demand full transparency and disclosure of all product ingredients from manufacturers. Here it is in full.

To the Editor:

Your January 21 editorial, “Heightened Concern Over BPA,” advises “wise consumers [to] try to avoid BPA.” How am I supposed to do that?

BPA is never listed as a material ingredient in any product. Moreover, many consumers felt betrayed when they bought water bottles advertised as BPA-free only to find out that was not true.

And, where else is BPA in our lives?

Last July, our researchers identified epoxy resins (found in building materials) and high performance paints as significant sources of BPA exposure. In November, a study by Kaiser Permanente, found that levels of workplace exposure to BPA may increase the risk of reduced sexual function in men.

Product manufacturers know what chemicals are in their products. The rest of us have a right to know. A word to the wise: if you want to avoid chemical risks, demand that manufacturers disclose all chemical ingredients in their products.

William C. Walsh
Executive Director
Healthy Building Network

Bill Walsh is the executive director of the Healthy Building Network.

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