What can Michigan legislators do to help improve protections for the public against toxic products? That’s one of the questions to be addressed by investigative reporter Mark Schapiro this week in Ann Arbor.

Internationally acclaimed journalist Schapiro is editorial director of the Center for Investigative Reporting and author of the book “Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power.” He will be the featured speaker at the Ecology Center’s annual membership meeting set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. in room 101 of the Morris Lawrence Building in Ann Arbor.

Schapiro’s new book investigates how corporations intent on thwarting passage of stricter environmental and health guidelines in the United States are forced to meet new demands by the European Union to improve their products. In his speech he will cover that issue and also discuss why Michigan receives toxic products from around the world and what the Michigan Legislature can do to help protect the public.

Schapiro has been an investigative journalist for more than two decades, focusing on environmental and international affairs, and his work has appeared in  “Harper’s, The Nation, Mother Jones” and “The Atlantic Monthly.” He’s also been a correspondent on the PBS program “NOW with Bill Moyers.”

The Center for Investigative Reporting is a nonprofit organization focusing on investigative reporting. The work is led by a small West Coast staff and augmented by a nationwide team of independent reporters and producers.

The Ecology Center is a membership-based, nonprofit environmental organization founded by community activists after the country’s first Earth Day in 1970. It works at the local, state and national levels for clean production, healthy communities, environmental justice and a sustainable future. The event is free and open to the general public. Call (734) 761-3186, extension 104, for more information.