January 23, 2008 10:53 AM

Could anything be more toxic that the media coverage of the death of Heath Ledger?

Well yes, many things, according to the Environmental Working Group, one of the organizations on CREDO's 2008 ballot , although you're unlikely to see the same media coverage, not to mention feeding frenzy, as his tragic death.

In the past few days EWG has spotlighted dangers to our children - the use of the toxic chemical Bisphenol-A in formula containers which has led House Congressional leaders to demand answers on its use from manufacturers and the FDA. Also flagged is a recent study by the US Food and Drug Administration which found that every day the average two-year-old is exposed to more than half of the EPA "safe" dose of perchlorate - a toxic rocket fuel ingredient - from food alone. This is bad news for children in communities in 28 states who also are exposed to perchlorate through contaminated tap water.

Two-year-olds are particularly vulnerable because they eat and drink substantial amounts of food and water relative to their small size. EWG has called on the EPA to set a safety standard for perchlorate in tap water to protect children.

For more information visit http://www.ewg.org/