There are worthy efforts happening right now in our governmental process to help protect the people of Washington State and firefighters from exposure to toxic flame-retardants in our environment. When firefighters enter a building to protect life and property they are exposed to a slurry of toxic chemicals, among them flame-retardants. The same toxic flame-retardants also threaten our health and the health of our children everyday.

Flame-retardants can be found in many consumer items, such as furniture, cars, car seat covers, etc. Items that we are in contact with every day. We are involuntarily inhaling and/or ingesting these chemicals daily. Studies have shown these chemicals are linked to cancer. As a public health nurse I cannot help but wonder why are we tolerating the constant exposure to chemicals that causes cancer. Why are we allowing our children to be constantly exposed to cancer causing chemicals?

I believe prevention is the best practice in keeping people healthy. We can help protect the firefighters, ourselves, and most importantly, our children by letting our legislators know that you support House Bill 2545, the Toxic Free Kids and Families Act. Voice your support to remove the chemicals that threaten our health to your legislative representatives by asking them to also support HB 2545.

Stella Daniels, Kenmore