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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/2021 |
Rubbertown Emergency ActionTo fight to stop toxic pollution; protect Louisville residents in the event of a leak, fire, or explosion in chemical plants or railcars; and provide full disclosure and easy access to information concerning the impacts of industrial activities in Rubbertown on residents living nearby. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 12/2021 |
Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy ServicesTo serve the community surrounding the Houston Ship Channel—the busiest international port in the country and site of the largest petrochemical refinery complex in the Western Hemisphere—by providing community members the tools to create sustainable, environmentally healthy communities. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 12/2021 |
Community In-Power and Development AssociationTo empower residents in low-income communities in Port Arthur, Texas, helping them take action against the neighboring chemical manufacturers, refineries, and incinerators. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 12/2021 |
Coming CleanTo support community-based organizing and activities in Mossville, Louisiana, where there are fourteen chemical facilities in close vicinity and the soil, air, and groundwater bear legacy pollutants. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 12/2021 |
Concerned Citizens of St. JohnTo ensure the health and safety of all citizens while working to hold government officials and industry accountable for the quality of air being polluted by chemical emissions in St. John Parish, thus ensuring the health of families for generations to come. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 12/2021 |
Louisiana Environmental Action NetworkTo resolve the unique environmental struggles present in Louisiana. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 12/2021 |
RISE St. JamesTo save communities in St. James Parish from industrial pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 12/2021 |
Louisiana Bucket BrigadeTo use grassroots action to achieve sustainable neighborhoods free from industrial pollution and hasten the transition from fossil fuels. |
Health and Environment |
Environmental Justice |
$25,000 |
| 09/2021 |
West Harlem Environmental ActionTo reduce exposure to toxics in cosmetics and personal care products among women and girls of color. |
Health and Environment |
$50,000 | |
| 09/2021 |
Toxic-Free FutureTo ensure Washington State continues to lead the nation in enacting and implementing model policies and investments that move supply chains to truly safer solutions. |
Health and Environment |
$120,000 |