Health and Environment
Ongoing scientific research shows that harmful chemicals present in agriculture, manufacturing and consumer goods are causing a wide range of reproductive, neurological, developmental and immunological health impacts.
The use of these chemicals – known as Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) because they are retained in the human body or linger in the environment long after exposure – must be curtailed to improve human health.
The program’s goal is to promote state and federal policies and align market incentives to reduce the use of petroleum-based chemicals that are linked to preventable disease. We are accomplishing this goal by:
- Supporting state and national campaigns that tie PBTs to human health;
- Expanding outreach to the people most often impacted by PBTs, including women, minorities and children;
- Raising consumer awareness and changing government policies to increase market pressures on companies that use PBTs and market rewards for those that seek safer alternatives;
- Helping translate cutting-edge scientific research on these toxic chemicals to ensure vulnerable communities understand their risks;
- Focusing on institutions such as hospitals, universities and governments in New England to ensure they are purchasing safer products; and
- Aligning with the Clean Energy Program, because ongoing reliance on fossil fuels is at the root of both issues.
Grantee Profile
Environmental Health Strategy Center
For the past fifteen years, the Environmental Health Strategy Center has inspired groundbreaking state policy and innovative market-based campaigns to phase out some of the most toxic chemicals from household goods and baby products.
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Special Initiative
Healthy Babies Bright Futures
The John Merck Fund has helped launch Healthy Babies Bright Futures to measurably limit exposure to toxic chemicals in a baby’s everyday environment and reduce the prevalence of these disorders.
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Special Initiative
Chemical Footprint Project
The Chemical Footprint Project is a comprehensive tool for measuring corporate progress towards using safer chemicals in all phases of manufacturing and retail.
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Recent Environmental Health Grant Awards
| Date | Description | Program Area | Focus | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/2018 |
International Chemical SecretariatTo cement the online business-to-business Marketplace platform as the number one space for chemical innovation and green chemistry. |
Health and Environment |
$110,000 | |
| 06/2018 |
Coming CleanTo support organizing for safer corporate and public chemicals policies from the bottom up, in a way that builds an integrated movement that persists over time. |
Health and Environment |
$200,000 | |
| 06/2018 |
Learning Disabilities Association of AmericaTo work through a nationwide network of affiliates, members, and partners to prevent toxic exposures by translating science on chemicals that harm brain development, and by contributing to positive change in the marketplace and chemicals policy. |
Health and Environment |
$100,000 | |
| 06/2018 |
Ecology CenterTo leverage product testing results to detoxify food and food packaging, children’s car seats and crib mattresses, and indoor building materials. |
Health and Environment |
$100,000 | |
| 06/2018 |
Environmental Health Strategy CenterTo protect children’s health by persuading major food manufacturers to identify and eliminate phthalates in food contact materials in favor of safer alternatives. |
Health and Environment |
$225,000 | |
| 06/2018 |
Natural Resources Defense CouncilTo reduce or eliminate human and environmental exposure to toxic chemicals by fighting to ensure that science-based, health-protective policies for all chemicals are put in place. |
Health and Environment |
$75,000 | |
| 04/2018 |
Breast Cancer Prevention PartnersTo ensure a smooth transition to the next president and CEO. |
Health and Environment |
$15,000 | |
| 03/2018 |
Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental HealthTo undertake new research to more holistically quantify the full health and economic benefits of policies that reduce fossil fuel pollution and encourage a switch to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, particularly highlighting the positive impact on human health, including neurodevelopment in babies and children. |
Health and Environment |
$75,000 | |
| 03/2018 |
Clean Production ActionTo enable the Chemical Footprint Project to transform how corporations set management policies, manage supply chains, select and use chemicals and materials, and publicly report on their progress in moving away from toxic chemicals. |
Health and Environment |
$200,000 | |
| 03/2018 |
Center for Environmental HealthTo reduce exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals by leveraging the buying power of large purchasers and protecting environmental health policies and programs. |
Health and Environment |
$70,000 |