To the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES),House Energy and Commerce Committee, andWhite House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ),

We, the undersigned, request that your offices take urgent action to address and reduce the threat posed by toxic metal dust shipped from U.S. industries to foreign recycling or disposal plants. Recent findings indicate that this hazardous material contains high levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which can harm human health and the environment. Communities near these facilities report respiratory problems, soil contamination, and elevated health risks for children and vulnerable populations.

Our concerns include:

1. Health Risks: Children's development suffers when they are exposed to persistent neurotoxins, and older adults are more susceptible to chronic diseases triggered by heavy metals.

2. Environmental Damage: Toxic particles pollute soil, water, and air around the facilities. When these pollutants cross national borders, ecosystems are disturbed and the damage can spread far beyond the immediate area.

3. Regulatory Gaps: While U.S. law requires the safe handling of hazardous waste "from cradle to grave,” the current cross-border nature of these shipments may exploit weaker regulatory frameworks in other countries. This puts both local populations and their environments at serious risk.

To address these concerns, we call on you to:

• Strengthen Existing Regulations: We urge the EPA to revisit protocols on the export of hazardous materials, ensuring stricter oversight and transparent reporting on emissions and disposal practices.
• Coordinate Internationally: The Department of State's OES should seek new or improved bilateral and multilateral agreements, requiring both the U.S. and receiving nations to adopt stringent controls over the handling of toxic dust.
• Empower Legislative Solutions: We call on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings and craft legislation that enforces stronger environmental standards, along with tracking and public disclosure of exported hazardous waste.
• Enhance Federal Cooperation: We urge the CEQ to coordinate an interagency approach, encouraging accountability and fostering research on the long-term impact of these wastes on public health and the environment.

Toxic pollutants do not respect borders or boundaries. If managed improperly, they will continue to endanger the health of people in distant communities and degrade natural habitats. By taking unified action to reduce dangerous emissions, we protect children, families, and ecosystems worldwide. We also affirm our commitment to environmental stewardship—safeguarding biodiversity and minimizing harm for future generations.

By addressing these concerns at all levels—local, national, and international—we can ensure safe, cleaner environments where businesses thrive without compromising human or ecological health. We believe that our nation, alongside global partners, can set a new standard for responsible industrial practices. Together, these steps will secure a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

Sincerely,