Insights

With a few short days of session left, New York State is poised join states around the country protecting children from toxic chemicals. The Child Safe Products Act would require manufacturers to let us know when dangerous chemicals show up in kids’ products, so consumers can make safe, informed choices, and phase out some of the worst-of-the-worst chemicals.

When you go to Walgreens to buy everyday items — shower curtains, hand soap, toothpaste, school supplies — you shouldn't have to worry about toxic chemicals. With this message in mind, consumers around the country came together to return these toxic products to Walgreens, along with a message: get tough on toxic chemicals!

When policymakers want to get harmful chemicals out of everyday, household products, they often face a choice: They can attack the chemicals one by one with specific bans. But they can also choose take a more comprehensive approach with programs that identify chemicals of high concern, require disclosure of chemicals in products, and find safer alternatives to harmful chemicals.

Walmart announces their new chemical policy — which includes phasing out 10 toxic chemicals from its products, from personal care products to household cleaners.

Target joins the list of retailers listening to state policy and addressing toxic chemicals.

The Chemicals in Commerce Act may look like progress — but we're not fooled. It's a vehicle for more secrets, more safety data loopholes, and faster introduction of untested chemicals—all disguised as “reform” of a badly outdated 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act.

Cal Dooley, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), claims that the ACC has not lobbied on behalf of flame retardant chemistries in state legislatures and state agencies. Many of the Safer States organizations have direct evidence refuting this confusing claim.

Is it "extreme" to be concerned about toxic chemicals? The American Chemistry Council says yes. But a broad collection of voices says no.

As state legislatures start their 2013 legislation session, a major focus is the use of toxic flame retardant chemicals in products we use in our homes. Over the last few years, these chemicals have received increased scrutiny from health advocates, the fire safety community, and policymakers. The time to take action on these chemicals has hopefully arrived.

Behind seemingly friendly, brightly-colored face of the toy industry's trade association lies a more nefarious goal: laser-focused dedication to the bottom line of the companies it represents, at the cost of the health of children.