2010 TOXIE Awards

 Just in time for the Oscars, CFHC’s Public Policy Division got to work the red carpet at the TOXIES, a tongue – in – cheek awards ceremony, held at the Egyptian Theater on Weds. March 3^rd. The event was a CHANGE coalition (Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy) and PSRLA (Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles) production, which recognized “Bad Actor Chemicals," whom were portrayed by volunteers, costumed and personifying various damaging chemicals. Guest and spectators to the event sported protective face masks, while photographers clamored to capture all the excitement and buzz.  “Lead”, dressed in his best heavy metal band attire, won the “Lifetime Achievement in Harm” award for touching and poisoning the lives of millions for centuries, while “BPA (Bisphenol – A)” was the big winner for “Worst Breakthrough Performance” for all her roles in everything from baby bottles, canned food liners to water containers; good thing she accessorized with a baby doll and bottle for her shining moment. Classic performers such as “Formaldehyde”, “Hexavalent Chromium”, and “Mercury”, whom have also played major roles in real health threats, were in attendance, as well as many other less familiar actors like “Phthalate”, “Toluene”, and “Triclosan” who shared in the spotlight, but with agents like theirs, they’re already in demand, and may be working for years to come and common names around every household!

As amusing, entertaining, and innovative as this spoof ceremony was, make no mistake about it, the subject of chemical policy reform is a daunting one, because there are so many “bad actor” chemicals that we all use on a daily basis that have the potential to make lasting impacts on our lives, as well as our children, families, and generations to come. Chemical Week magazine defines “bad actor” chemicals as those that consistently behave or react poorly, and interchangeably, we’ve all seen a bad actor...one whose performance makes you wince or ask for a refund, so the term “bad actor chemical” includes those which are: Toxic or poisonous, causes cancer, changes genetic material, interferes with normal reproduction, depletes the ozone layer, to name a few. It is imperative to highlight how these issues correlate to reproductive justice and family planning matters. Toxic chemicals have been linked to premature birth, birth defects, early puberty, erectile dysfunction, infertility, declined sperm density, and other reproductive difficulties. The more people know about these detriments, the more they will insist that we pull them from the limelight quickly and replace them with safer products or processes.

By characterizing chemicals and acknowledging the dangerous, ubiquitous, and reprehensible parts they play, the TOXIES may help Californians and the rest of the world start to recognize and connect “bad chemical actors” to their health and environment, in a very creative way. Bravo to CHANGE and PSR-LA. The event was comprehensive, refreshing, and everyone involved deserves much praise. I can’t wait to see who “cleans up” at next year’s ceremony.

Check out pictures from the TOXIES now on RJCLA’s flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjcla/sets/72157623426616269/