Help Congress protect our kids from toxic chemicals

In 1976, over three decades ago, Congress passed a law to oversee safety reviews of common household chemicals. In over thirty years, this set of guidelines, called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), has not been updated. So, the question is: what’s in your cabinet?

As a parent, I tend to stay up-to-speed on the latest warnings and hazards that may be involved in the common household products I buy and use, whether they be for cleaning, playing, or any other method within the daily routine. Recently, though, it seems that more and more “breaking news” continues to expose further dangers of toxic chemicals – in places you would sometimes never even think to look.

Scientific studies are emerging on an almost daily basis that continually link toxic chemical exposure to serious health problems, especially in young ones.

From bisphenol-A in baby bottles to phthalates in childrens’ toys and flame retardants in nursery furnishings, the modern world is filled with synthetic compounds that research now shows likely cause neurological and behavioral disorders, reproductive and developmental disruption, cancer and other troubles.

Modern families are exposed to literally hundreds of untested chemicals in the products they use every day. Since the TSCA’s passing in 1976, the EPA has investigated only 200 of the more than 80,000 chemical compounds available to manufacturers today.

Even still, TSCA critics say that it doesn’t give the EPA enough authority to demand that companies supply the information needed to evaluate a chemical’s risk.

New bill aims to protect kids from untested chemicals

A new and aggressive coalition of nearly 30 leading non-governmental organizations, called Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, is working to help Congress overhaul the nation’s chemical regulations.

The group supports new legislation proposed by several Congress-people, including Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), including the stringent requirement that new chemicals be safety-tested before they are put into products that children and others use.

Manufacturers would also have to prove that chemicals already in production are free of danger. This information would be publicly available so that consumers could see exactly what they’re bringing home.

Here’s what the bill can do:

• Take quick action on the most dangerous chemicals.
• Require full information on the health and environmental hazards associated with all chemicals.
• Protect all people and vulnerable groups – including children and pregnant women – using the best science.

Coalition supporters include the Environmental Defense Fund, Healthy Child Healthy World and Seventh Generation, the maker of all-natural cleaning products and diapers.

What you can do

Follow a diverse nationwide coalition comprised of environmental groups, health professionals and others working to pass smart federal policies that protect us from toxic chemicals.

Learn more about Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and email Congress to let them know you think it’s time to update the law governing toxic chemicals For more information on how you can help the proposed legislation become law, visit www.millionbabycrawl.com/.