DeepSummary
The episode begins with a public service announcement emphasizing the importance of voter registration, particularly for STEM majors. The interview portion focuses on Dr. Arlene Bloom, a biophysical chemist, and her groundbreaking research in the 1970s on harmful flame retardants in children's pajamas. She discusses how her research led to the banning of cancer-causing chemicals, and her continued efforts through the Green Policy Institute to advocate for scientific research in policy decisions regarding toxic chemicals.
Bloom explains the prevalence of toxic chemicals in everyday products, such as highly fluorinated chemicals (PFAS) in carpets, furniture, and waterproof coatings. She highlights the lack of regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA), which grandfathered in thousands of chemicals without proper testing. Bloom's research on the flame retardant Tris in children's pajamas, and its subsequent banning, serves as a model for her institute's mission to bring scientific evidence to policymakers.
The conversation also covers the chemical industry's resistance to regulation, the need for a class-based approach to address families of harmful chemicals, and the importance of scientific advocacy in effecting policy changes. Bloom remains optimistic about the power of science to reduce the health problems caused by toxic chemicals and create a safer environment for all.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Toxic chemicals are pervasive in everyday products and responsible for various health problems.
- The Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA) grandfathered in thousands of chemicals without proper testing, leading to a lack of regulation.
- Dr. Arlene Bloom's research on harmful flame retardants in children's pajamas led to their banning, serving as a model for scientific advocacy.
- The chemical industry has historically resisted regulation, but scientific evidence can drive policy changes.
- A class-based approach targeting families of harmful chemicals is necessary to effectively reduce their use.
- Scientific collaboration and advocacy are powerful tools in influencing policy and creating a safer environment.
- Replacing harmful chemicals with regrettable substitutes perpetuates the problem, necessitating a broader class-based approach.
- Dr. Bloom and the Green Policy Institute aim to move scientists from calling for more research to making definitive statements about chemical harm.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Well, it's interesting because it ties into my mountain climbing.“ by Arlene Bloom
- “Way too pervasive and unfortunately responsible for a big chunk of our health problems, of the cancer and infertility and neurological problems in our population. But the good news is we can indeed reduce the harmful chemicals in our everyday products and all be healthier.“ by Arlene Bloom
- “So there's a California standard, and I will say this, it's a little complicated, but it said that the foam inside a couch or a children's product has to resist a very small flame for 12 seconds. And to do that, you have to make the foam five to 10% by weight, a toxic flame retardant.“ by Arlene Bloom
- “And the voice of science is so powerful. And, you know, when we started studying PFAS in 2013, the first thing we did was start convening scientists from all over the world.“ by Arlene Bloom
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Episode Information
Got Science?
KKFI Community Podcasts
9/24/19