Household Hazards

States Move Against Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products

Article from Natural Awakenings, October, 2014.

This year, at least 33 states are taking steps to address the untested and toxic chemicals in everyday products.  Many toys, clothes, bedding items and baby shampoos contain chemicals toxic to the brain and body.  The federal 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act has become outdated, allowing untested chemicals and known carcinogens, hormone disruptors, heavy metals and other toxins to be ingredients in commonly used products.

Wise new polices would change labeling and disclosure rules for manufactures so that concerned consumers know what chemicals products contain and/or completely phase out the use of chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) in infant formulas cans, food packaging and receipt paper; formaldehyde in children’s personal care products; chlorinated tris (hydroxymethylaminomethane) in toxic flame retardants and other consumer products; phthalates, lead and/or cadmium in children’s products; and mercury.