If someone asked you to enroll your child in a research study that gave your child a bath in a product full of harmful chemicals or play with a toy that contained chemicals that disrupt their hormones during their developmental years, would you? No, that would be irresponsible and absurd! Our children explore the world by touch and putting toys into their mouths; they nap and sleep 10-13 hours each day. As parents we try our best to make choices that protect them so they grow up healthy.
However, the reality is chemicals are being used in manufacturing of children’s products like nap mats, mattresses and even toys that have not been proven safe. Regulations dating back to 1976 and the Toxic Substances Control Act are outdated because there are over 83,000 chemicals in commerce today. Sixty-two thousand were grandfathered into place when the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted with little or no safety testing.
Connecticut legislators are being asked to step up to the plate and take action to protect our children from the exposure to toxic chemicals. Your voice is needed to show support!
With federal reform of TSCA stalled by the chemical industry’s lobbyists, states need to take steps to begin identifying what toxic chemicals are being used in children’s products. HB 6526 will require manufacturers to report the use of toxic chemicals in children’s products and develop plans to shift to safer alternatives. Please take action and contact your legislator and ask for support of House Bill 6526, AAC Children’s Products and Chemicals of High Concern. We can no longer be silent and allow toxic chemicals to be used in children’s products that are linked to cancer, asthma and infertility. We need our Connecticut legislators to protect our most valuable and vulnerable population!
Karen Wexell, RN
Clinton