Safer Chemicals
Virtually everything surrounding you right now, your computer, desk, clothes, lip balm, water bottle, is made of industrial chemicals. Some are safe and some are not. The great failures of our current chemicals policies are that we have little information to tell the two apart and a lack of tools to ensure swift action to protect people from exposure to unsafe chemicals.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the federal law that should protect us is badly broken. TSCA was enacted in 1976 but has only been used to require testing of 200 of the more than 80,000 chemicals in use. Just five chemicals have been regulated under the law.
Safer chemical policies are needed to protect public health and the environment, while restoring confidence in the safety of the products on store shelves. We are working in support of new, protective laws that will:
Take immediate action on the most dangerous chemicals. Persistent, bioaccumulative toxic chemicals should be phased out of commerce. Our exposure to other toxic chemicals that we know can cause serious health problems, should be reduced. Green chemistry research should be expanded, and safer chemicals favored over those with known health hazards.
Hold industry responsible for the safety of their chemicals and products. Due to serious limitations of the current law, very little is known about the vast majority of chemicals produced and used in the US. Companies that make and use chemicals should be required to provide full information on the impact of all their chemicals on health and the environment. The public, workers, and businesses should have access to information about the safety of chemicals.
Use the best science to protect all people and vulnerable groups. Chemicals should meet a standard of safety for all people, including children, pregnant women, and workers. The extra burden of toxic chemical exposure on people of color, low-income, and indigenous communities must be reduced.