We all know that certain chemicals in everyday products are harmful: mercury and lead, just to name a couple. But how harmful, and what can we do about it?
A landmark new bill has been introduced in Congress that addresses toxins in products that most Americans use every day, from shampoo to toilet cleaners. The bill was introduced in April by Senator Frank R Lautenberg, who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health. It is an overhaul of the "Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976" (TSCA), an antiquated law that in its current state leaves most Americans at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals.
Senator Lautenberg states: "America's system for regulating industrial chemicals is broken. Parents are afraid because hundreds of untested chemicals are found in their children's bodies. EPA does not have the tools to act on dangerous chemicals, and the chemical industry has asked for stronger laws so that their customers are assured their products are safe." This Act will "empower EPA to get tough on toxic chemicals."
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