Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition Releases Comprehensive Reform Platform

A broad coalition of health and environmental organizations recently unveiled a set of key requirements for reforming the nation's antiquated chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The coalition, called Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, includes state and national environmental groups, associations of health professionals, advocates for health-affected individuals and environmental justice organizations.  The U.S. Congress is beginning to consider the suggested changes to TSCA, with amended legislation expected to be introduced this fall.

"The 33-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act is badly broken," said Dr. Richard Denison, senior scientist with Environmental Defense Fund. "By failing to identify, let alone address, the long and growing list of chemicals in everyday products that we now know can harm people and the environment, TSCA has forced states, businesses, workers and consumers to try to act on their own to address what should be a national priority."  .

The key elements of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families platform include: taking immediate action on the chemicals already known to be extremely dangerous; holding chemical manufacturers responsible for the safety of their chemicals and products; and using the best science to protect all people and vulnerable groups.