HEFN Catalysts

People are exposed to toxic chemicals every day, including through water, air, food, and consumer products.  While over 85,000 chemicals are registered for use in the U.S., most chemicals are not designed or tested for safety, and regulation is weak.  Extensive research links exposures to serious health effects, from asthma and cancers to neurological and reproductive problems.  

Philanthropy is investing millions annually in support of a broad-based movement to protect people and ecosystems from toxic chemicals.  HEFN members are making grants to:

• Improve scientific understanding and public awareness;
• Enable affected groups and communities to organize and act;
• Strengthen policies on chemicals in the US and internationally;
• Get businesses to shift to safer alternatives; and
• Support innovation, like green chemistry.

Recommended First Reads:

Catalyzing Change:  A Funder Guide on Protecting People and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals, a HEFN issue brief

Chemicals and Our Health:  Why Recent Science is a Call to Action, a Safer Chemicals Healthy Families coalition report