D’Arcy Johnson Day

As both a trial attorney and a New Jersey Assemblywoman, I’ve made it my life’s work to protect the people of our state—whether that means standing up to corporations in court or writing laws to stop dangerous practices before more harm is done. One of the most urgent threats we face today is the silent, toxic spread of PFAS chemicals—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—known as “forever chemicals” because they resist breaking down and accumulate in the human body and the environment.

Safe and habitable housing is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. Yet, for too many tenants, this right is constantly under threat. While existing laws provide a framework for tenant protections, recent incidents highlight areas where these laws can be strengthened. Landlords neglect repairs, retaliate against tenants who speak up, and exploit legal loopholes to force people out of their homes.

Last Fall, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a study linking the use of chemical hair straightening products to uterine cancer. The study also reaffirmed the connection between the products and the development of some breast and ovarian cancers while stressing Black and Latina women have the potential to suffer the greatest impact.