Environmental Health (Kid-Safe Chemicals)

''Environmental Groups Get In Some Target Practice''

"The otherwise-routine reauthorization of the Consumer Product Safety Commission this year demonstrated the environmental movement's growing clout over the chemical industry. The new law, advocates say, reverses long-standing practice because it requires the chemical industry to prove the safety of some products before they reach the public."

''Toxic Suspicions Could Fuel Regulatory Overhaul''

"Environmentalists want to ban BPA -- and also shift the burden of proof for all chemicals."

''U.S. Regulators Lack Data on Health Risks of Most Chemicals''

"This summer, when Kellogg recalled 28 million boxes of Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and Honey Smacks, the company blamed elevated levels of a chemical in the packaging."

Toxic Chemicals and Reproductive Health

Over the past few decades, the reproductive health of Americans appears to have declined. Diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the development and functioning of the male and female reproductive systems—including fertility problems, miscarriages, pre-term births, low birthweights and certain birth defects—have risen. In addition, incidence rates of testicular cancer have increased, and breast and prostate cancers remain among the most common forms of cancer in the U.S.

Toxic Chemicals and a Child's Brain Development

Today, one in six children in the United States has a developmental or learning disability. Some experts say many of these may be due in part to early exposures to toxic chemicals. The number of children diagnosed with these disabilities has increased dramatically over the past four decades.

''Debating How Much Weed Killer Is Safe in Your Water Glass''

"Now, new research suggests that atrazine may be dangerous at lower concentrations than previously thought. Recent studies suggest that, even at concentrations meeting current federal standards, the chemical may be associated with birth defects, low birth weights and menstrual problems."

Statement on Passage of the 'Green Chemistry' Package by the California Legislature

Andy Igrejas, manager of The Pew Charitable Trusts' Environmental Health Campaign, today issued the following statement in response to the "Green Chemistry" package passed by the California legislature.

''Toxic Plastic Toys Could Go the Way of the Dinosaurs''

"Children's advocates say they hope a sweeping consumer protection law passed by Congress last week will begin a broad national effort to shield youngsters from dangerous chemicals."

''Not Toying Around: Congress OKs Bill to Ban Chemicals in Some Products''

"Congress has passed sweeping legislation to improve the safety of toys and other consumer products."

''Congress Takes on Chemicals''

Congress is venturing into new regulatory territory with a recent ban on several varieties of the plasticizing chemicals known as pthalates. Usually government agencies regulate products on the market, but environmental health advocates say this latest ban shows Congress is picking up the slack on chemical regulation. Host Bruce Gellerman talks with Andy Igrejas of the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Environmental Health Campaign.

Pew Statement on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act

Andy Igrejas, manager of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Environmental Health campaign, today issued the following statement in response to the ban on phthalates in children’s toys and childcare articles that was included in the conference agreement on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act.

Pew Endorsement of the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act

The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act reforms TSCA to address these problems by requiring a minimum set of health data for all chemicals and requiring that they meet a children’s health standard or be removed from the market.

New Legislation Would Protect Children from Toxic Chemicals

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Representatives Hilda Solis (D-Calif.) and Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), today introduced a comprehensive overhaul of federal chemical rules called the “Kid-Safe Chemicals Act.”