The Kid Safe Chemical Act: Who, What, Why and How

It's possible that with all the attention that the latest health care legislation has been getting that the Kid-Safe Chemical Act, introduced by Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey has been ignored or left unnoticed. But this legislation is just as important if not more important than health care when it comes to the protection of our children and our families from harmful chemicals and toxins.

What is the Kids Safe Chemical Act?

Unfortunately for many American's our "children have become test subjects" according to Senator Lautenberg. Previous legislation, in the form of the Toxic Substances Control Act is decades old and outdates. This new legislation in the form of "The Kid-Safe Chemical Act" would demand that chemicals in children's products be proven safe for kids before going on the market. The scary thing is that you would think a federal agency like the Food and Drug Administration or other legislation would have already required the protection of our children from chemicals and toxins in toys, food, clothing and gear, however recent studies as well as health problems with children are evidence that this is not sufficient.

Highlights of the Kid Safe Chemical Act:

Require Basic Data on Industrial Chemicals

Place the Burden on Industry to Demonstrate Safety

Restrict the Use of Dangerous Chemicals Found in Newborn Babies

Use New Scientific Evidence to Protect Health

Establish National Program to Assess Human Exposure

Expand the Public Right to Know on Toxic Chemicals

Invest in Long-Term Solutions

Why should we have the Kid Safe Chemical Act?

In the past, health problems, illness and the dangers associated with certain products have been discovered after the fact. Then along came the rules regarding pharmaceuticals, food, and pesticides requiring that the ingredients in these products be proven safe before going on the market. Toxic chemicals have not been regulated the same way.

One example of illness or injury associated with a product that was untested or not tested thoroughly enough is the use of the chemical TCB used in degreasers. Upon discovering a higher incidence of birth defects and childhood leukemia was found, it was traced back to water contaminated with TCB and then TCB was regulated.

Sen. Lautenberg states, "Every day, consumers rely on household products that contain hundreds of chemicals. The American public expects the federal government to keep families safe by testing chemicals - but the government is letting them down. We already have strong regulations for pesticides and pharmaceuticals - it's common sense that we do the same for chemicals that end up in household items such as bottles and toys."

Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection: states "The House has begun the legislative process to overhaul the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. There is well-documented evidence that, in recent years, the federal government has abandoned its duty to oversee TSCA's enforcement.The Kid Safe Chemical Act would give additional and new authority to the Environmental Protection Agency to restrict the use of certain chemicals.

But aren't there already studies or regulations regarding toxic chemicals?

Yes, studies have been and are being conducted. However, under the current Confidential Business Information laws and regulations companies don't have to share this information. The companies are protected from sharing this information, but what protects our health and our children's health?

As the law currently stands if a chemical shows health risks after animal testing, the testers aren't required to report it if it wasn't already on a list. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta says this is "changing, slowly." (See CNN video with Dr. Sanjay Gupta)

What are some chemicals and toxins we should be looking for in products?

The most noticeable chemical danger was discovered by the Environmental Protection Agency in the form of "Toxic Baby Bottles." EPA studies demonstrated a link between "Bisphenol A" used in many baby bottles and "sippy cups" and an array of health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems. Not only is Bisphenol A an ingredient in baby bottles and sippy cups, but many water bottles also contain it. I know in this family it gave us "pause for thought" and increased our desire to purchase reusable water bottles and containers to help our family stay healthy.

When this information was first discovered, my kitchen cupboards were also quickly searched for any product that could contain this harmful chemical. Many stores and companies began programs to assist families in getting rid of bottles and cups containing these harmful chemicals and in some cases created a trade in program. Families using bottles and cups that they used for older children or that they purchased used should

Fast Facts about Toxins and Chemicals:

There are about 80,000 chemicals.

Only about 200 of those chemicals have been tested for safety.

Only five chemicals that were known of at the time of the TSCA legislation was enacted have been regulated for safety.

Over 62,000 chemicals were "grandfathered in" when the TSCA law was passed. They were presumed to be safe as used -- no matter how they were used.

Today about 1% of our population of children is diagnosed with autism.

According to Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, professor of pediatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Studies have shown that the risk of autism increases when embryos are exposed to certain drugs during pregnancy and "environmental exposures experienced prenatally," Prior to many other results similar to Dr. Landrigan's autism was usually associated with other factors.

According to Alan M. Goldberg, a professor of toxicology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, "There are diseases that are increasing in the population that we have no known cause for. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, autism are three examples. The potential is for these diseases to be on the rise because of chemicals in the environment."

What can we do to help pass the Kid Safe Chemical Act?

If you too are concerned about the chemical used in your families products then you can suppor the Kid Safe Chemical Act by signing a petition located at the Environmental Working Group. http://www.ewg.org/kid-safe-chemicals-act-blog/sign-petition-b/ Contact your own State Representatives and Congressman and demand more studies, research and information regarding the chemicals used in many household and children's products.

This legislation is not perfect. Changes could cause backlogs in the release of products and medications are examined more thoroughly. The additional data and information from companies could cause a backlog in not only data but release of information and products. However, at this time, the Kid Safe Chemical Act could be the best hope for the future health of our children.

Unfortunately, in the mean time families wait for safer laws and EPA enforcement. Parents and pregnant women are responsible for doing their own research and attempting to determine the scientific language and ingredients on labels. They look for words like "phthalates" and plastics for number 3, 6 and 7. These are just a few of the toxins and chemicals that we know are harmful to us. How can we possible protect ourselves from those we aren't aware of?

Sources:

Washing Post

Center for Health and Environmental Justice

Sen. Lautenberg's Newsroom

Petition and information on the Kid Safe Chemical Act