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What GAO Found; Formaldehyde in Textiles
While Levels in Clothing Generally Appear to Be Low, Allergic Contact Dermatitis Is a Health Issue for Some People; a Report to Congressional Committees
Formaldehyde — one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world — is used in many products, including disinfectants, pressed-wood, and clothing and other textiles. Exposure to this chemical, which has been linked to adverse health effects for more than 30 years, typically occurs through inhalation and dermal (skin) contact. Formaldehyde can be used to enhance wrinkle resistance in some clothing and textiles, especially those made of cotton. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reviewed formaldehyde in clothing in the 1980s and determined that the levels found did not pose a public health concern. At that time, most clothing sold in the United States was made here — but the market has changed such that most US clothing is now made in other countries. This market change has raised anew questions about the levels of formaldehyde in clothing.
Environment Working Group's Back-To-School Guide
EWG’s Green Back-to-School Guide for K-12: Some school supplies contain materials that are toxic for kids and harmful to the environment. Learn which to avoid and how to pick safer alternatives.
1. Art supplies. Many contain toxic chemicals that are not suitable for children – especially younger ones. Pay special attention to these: Paints should be water-based to avoid solvents and colored with natural, non-metal pigments. Don’t buy polymer clays that stay soft at room temperature or can be hardened in a home oven – they’re made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and often contain phthalates. Consider making your own “clay” out of common baking ingredients instead. Note: A label that says “Conforms to ASTM D-4236,” simply means that the product is labeled as required, not necessarily safe.
Scandal! The Financial Crime Exhibit and Shopping for Gifts
The Museum of American Finance, an affiliate of the Smithsonian, is presenting an exhibit that chronicles the most notorious of American financial scandals. The following Exhibit Excerpts from Scandal! Financial Crime, Chicanery and Corruption that Rocked America have been written by the Museum of American Finance:
The King of the Alley: William Duer and America’s First Financial Scandal
On April 19, 1792, a mob of angry rioters surrounded the jail near City Hall in New York City, chanting “We will have have Mr. Duer, he has gotten our money!” William Duer, former member of the Continental Congress and once Alexander Hamilton’s right-hand man at the US Treasury, was imprisoned there for playing a key role in the Crash of 1792. The sheriff dispersed the crowd, but the city was in a panic — Duer had attempted to corner the market in government bonds and shares in existing and proposed banks by borrowing as much money as he could, from everyone he could.
Stateline, Sales Tax Holidays: Easy to Sell But Hard to Justify
Stateline, the Pew Center on the States works to advance state policies that serve the public interest. It has produced the following article by Joey Peters:
"Starting late this week and continuing through mid-August, some 16 states will kick off an event that has become a ritual of back-to-school season. They will temporarily suspend sales taxes on pens, pencils, binders and bookbags, as well as moderately-priced clothes, and in some cases, computers."
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