Oakland City Council Votes 6-0 for Zero Dioxin Resolution

City to Act To Promote Phase-out of PVC Plastics and Dioxin Emissions from Industry

The City will now:

• promote dioxin pollution prevention practices;
• promote the use of less-toxic, non-chlorinated, sustainable alternative products and processes, such as chlorine-free paper and PVC-free plastics;
• urge health care institutions to reduce PVC use and eventually become PVC-free;
• work with other local governments to convene a regional task force to identify the sources of regional dioxin pollution and develop dioxin pollution prevention strategies;
• write letters to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Regional Water Quality Control Board supporting zero dioxin emission and exposure.
• pursue dioxin reduction practices that do not cause workers to become unemployed

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Major Victory For Community, Health and Environmental Justice Coalition

February 2, 1998

Oakland, CA -- In a major victory for a coalition of community, health and environmental groups, the Oakland City Council voted 6-0 to adopt a resolution on "Dioxin, Public Health and the Environment". Despite heavy lobbying by the Chlorine Chemistry Council, the City Council adopted the resolution to take immediate steps to protect public health from emissions of dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals known to science.

The resolution designates ending dioxin pollution as a high priority for immediate action to restore water, air, soil, and food quality and protect public health.

This is an historic action by the City of Oakland to protect public health and the environment from the dangers of this highly toxic chemical. Dioxin is the accidental by-product of industrial practices involving chlorine. Even trace amounts of dioxin can cause serious health effects such as cancer, endometriosis, learning disabilities, immune problems, birth defects, and reproductive illnesses. No amount of exposure is safe.

This resolution was the result of a year-long campaign by PUEBLO, Chester Street Block Club Association, Greenaction, Communities for a Better Environment, Commonweal, Center for Environmental Health, Womenís Cancer Resource Center, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Toxic Links Coalition and other allies. The resolution grew out of the ongoing grassroots campaign to shut the medical waste incinerators operated by I.E.S. in a low-income community of color in Oakland.