Environmental groups protest use of toxic cleaning products

Boston – A statewide coalition of 150 environmental and public health organizations, which includes several North Shore advocacy groups, is spearheading a protest today in Boston against use of toxic cleaning products.The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow plans to release a new report that links that links exposure to chemicals in cleaning products with health problems, particularly asthma and reproductive harm.”It details specific ingredients in cleaning products that could pose harm, especially to children’s health, and calls for greater regulation of products sold on store shelves,” said Leise Jones, a coalition spokesman.On Wednesday, health and environmental advocates will testify in support of that legislation, which applies to cleaning products used in public buildings throughout Massachusetts, from schools and daycare centers to hospitals and public housing.Rep. Frank Smizik, a Brookline Democrat, and Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, a Boston Democrat, are sponsors of the “Safer Cleaning Products Act” that will be heard at the State House by the Joint Committee on Public Health.