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Environmental Health Health Care

Protect our Kids from Toxic Chemicals!

July 30, 2009
Ariana Kelly's picture
Ariana Kelly
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Want to say goodbye to those ever increasing parental worries about toxic chemicals used in everything from sunblock to beach balls, and even canned peaches? So do we!

We're sick and tired of reading report after report about dangers associated with the products we use everyday: Biphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles, soda cans, and other everyday products; phthalates in toys and pacifiers; formaldehyde in baby shampoo. In fact, dangerous chemicals are found in everything from cosmetics to bedding to school supplies. Really, enough is enough!

That's why MomsRising has joined a growing movement of workers, scientists, fertility experts, and advocates for learning and developmental disabilities in supporting comprehensive reform for America's chemical policy. As part of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign, we're calling for updated chemical regulations so that chemicals are proven to be safe before they are out on the market and in the products our kids use every day!

Why does Congress need to reform the nation's chemical policy right now?

  • American babies are now being born polluted with more than 300 industrial chemicals. This is a big problem because pregnant woman, developing fetuses, and children are especially vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals.
  • The EPA has been able to require testing on only about 200 of the 80,000 chemicals that have been on the market since the law passed in 1976.
  • In the last 33 years, only 5 chemicals have had their use restricted by the EPA.
    In the last 18 years, no chemicals have been restricted.
  • All this as rates of asthma, diabetes, childhood cancers, breast cancer, infertility and learning and developmental disabilities associated with health-harming chemicals keep increasing.

    So, what's a concerned mom to do? After you send a letter to Congress urging them to fix the Toxic Substances Control Act (the outdated law from the 1970's that is failing to protect us), you can become a fan of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Campaign on Facebook.

    Since the campaign Facebook page launched last month, we have earned nearly 4,000 fans! That's right, 4,000 folks just like you and me, ready to take control of our futures. Join us!

    • The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of MomsRising.org.

    MomsRising.org strongly encourages our readers to post comments in response to blog posts. We value diversity of opinions and perspectives. Our goals for this space are to be educational, thought-provoking, and respectful. So we actively moderate comments and we reserve the right to edit or remove comments that undermine these goals. Thanks!