FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2008
CONTACT: EWG Public Affairs, 202-667-6982

Statement from Eddie
Founder, Pets for the Environment

"I'm a dog on a mission.

"Today is an important day in the history of toxic chemical research. With the release of a new report by Pets for the Environment, in conjunction with Environmental Working Group, we are bringing a new voice to the debate: America's pets. We knew humans were exposed to all sorts of chemicals, but now it's clear that dogs and cats in American homes are exposed to an assortment of pesticides, flame retardants, plastic chemicals and heavy metals on a daily basis.

"From the lawns we play on to the beds we sleep in, we pets are dosed with chemicals that end up in our bodies and could make us sick. Scientists found 48 of the 70 chemical compounds they looked for, and many of them at levels much, much higher than what is found in people. It's not just cats and dogs, either -- birds and bunnies and lizards and horses are all exposed too.

"We pets have had enough. We're tired of being exposed to rocket fuel in our water bowls! We're sick of wondering if our food is safe! We're done losing sleep over the toxic chemicals in our chew toys -- we want our naps back! We want an environment safe and free of toxic chemicals, for pets and people, and we're going to fight to get it. We have to get our humans to tell their government to pass chemical safety legislation, for all our sakes.

"In the meantime, we need sound research and information to help us stay healthy. That's why I started Pets for the Environment. Will you join the fight?"

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Pets for the Environment is a project of Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit run by humans. More information on Pets can be found at http://www.petsfortheenvironment.org.