Public Health
The water that pours from our faucet, the air that circulates through our homes, the food our soil supports, and the buildings we live and work in are not separate from the environment. In fact, our daily lives are inextricably linked to the natural world, as the materials and chemicals we create find their way to our water and air, and that water and air find their way back to our bodies.
Unfortunately, many Michiganders are exposed to toxic chemicals in our food, water, air, household products, and homes far too often; the most at-risk people being those of low income and minority populations. While much of Michigan’s economy is built on the legacy of industrialism and manufacturing, these industries have released chemicals into our environment and many of these chemicals are linked to cancers, asthma, developmental disorders and reproductive harm.
The issues and solutions presented in this section encourages innovation in our industrial sector that protects the health of our citizens. Michigan’s green chemistry programs build upon the creativity and ingenuity of our talented workforce to find alternatives to using toxic chemicals in products. Locating new ways to keep our lawns green without harmful pesticides, or painting the walls of our homes with paint free of lead are examples of how we can move industry forward while still protecting our own health and the health of the environment.
