Published on June 24th, 2010 | by edfblog3
EDF Launches New Campaign: Tell Congress “I Am Not a Guinea Pig”
We’re all guinea pigs whether we know it or not. Everyday, American families use an array of products that contain synthetic chemicals, some of them toxic: children’s toys, carpeting, cookware, cosmetics and countless other household items. Even the water you drink or your favorite fish may contain toxic chemicals. But our nation’s decades-old toxic chemical law does not require the makers of chemicals to show they’re safe before they can be used in consumer products.
For Americans concerned about the safety of chemicals, EDF has just launched a new online campaign that provides tools and information they can use to press for fundamental reform of our toxic chemical law. I Am Not a Guinea Pig engages Americans from all walks of life to demand better protection of human health and the environment as Congress debates how to overhaul the 34-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), widely regarded as one of the weakest of all major U.S. environmental laws. For the first time in over 30 years, revisions to TSCA are being debated in Congress.
Learn more about toxic household chemicals
For the initial launch, the site provides information and resources tailored to:
- Teens and Toxic Chemicals in Products
- Kids & Chemicals: Developing Brains At Risk
- Health Professionals and Chemical Exposures
“Chemicals are everywhere around us, and many are simply not safe,” said Richard Denison, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). “Countless products we use on a daily basis are made with chemicals that science is linking to the rising rates of childhood cancers, infertility, learning disabilities and more. It’s time Congress acts to stop these unregulated exposures to protect the health of Americans for generations to come.”
Take action now: Help strengthen America’s toxic chemicals standards