Toxic or "Toxie?" Wacky Hollywood Tackles Serious Issue with Red Carpet Performance

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Red carpet events are common in Tinsel Town, but none quite like "The Toxies," happening today. Costumed characters – actors hired to "be" toxic chemicals – emerge from limousines to walk down the proverbial red carpet to receive "awards" for the harm they are doing to the American public.

"The Toxies" is led by Physicians for Social Responsibility – Los Angeles (PSR-LA) and Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy with groups across the country. Now in its 2nd year, the Toxies has expanded to include satellite events from Oakland to Minnesota and New York, and across the globe in Australia, Canada and more. Environmental health and justice groups and the concerned members of the public watching live on-line at www.toxies.com at 5 p.m. Pacific and presenting their own "Toxies" to local chemical pollutants.

Cancer survivor Fran Drescher, whose organization Cancer Schmancer supports the Toxies, sent a video message available on our website stating: "Thanks to all of the chemicals in our environment that trigger thousands of cancers each and every year, you've got Cancer Schmancer working day and night to kick your little tuchuses!"

"Lifetime Achievement in Harm" nominee this year is lead. "We have known for centuries that lead causes neurological impairment and reduces IQ. Yet, thousands continue to be exposed to leaded paint in housing. Low income communities and children of color are at greater risk of exposure to lead; we cannot expect children to thrive and learn if we do not muster the political will to lower the action level on lead," says Martha Dina Arguello, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles.

"Some chemicals taking home 'Toxies' are becoming more and more familiar to consumers," says Bobbi Chase Wilding of Clean NY. "For example, bisphenol A has become a household tongue twister since parents came wise to its use in baby bottles. BPA deserves its 'Least Sexy Performance' award because it continues to invade our lives through canned foods, receipt paper, plastics and more.  We can find safer chemicals than you!"  BPA is linked to breast cancer and infertility, and is found in the bodies of most Americans.

For experts & direct contact info: http://www.toxies.com/toxies-june-16-2011/

SOURCE Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles