Overview
Our product safety net isn’t up to the job of protecting us from
dangerous product. For one, of the 80,000 chemicals on the market, less than 18% of them have been tested. And in 2008 alone, the chemical industry spent close to $52 million lobbying against reforms meant to protect children’s health.
Scientific studies are released almost daily connecting synthetic
chemicals to cancer. Whether it's BPA in plastics (including sippy cups
for toddlers), toxic flame retardants in clothing, or Teflon in
cookware, we come into contact with harmful chemicals all the time.
Sadly, under the current law, chemicals are assumed to be safe until proven otherwise.
In other words, our children and families are constantly exposed to
untested chemicals. Years or even decades later, scientists discover
which ones are linked to cancer and other negative health effects.
We know that it’s possible to make products such as baby bottles and food containers that are safe, affordable and convenient. That’s why MoPIRG is working to ensure that all chemicals are tested and that companies replace unsafe chemicals with safer alternatives.
We need to
challenge our government to set better standards, hold companies
accountable, and make sure chemicals are tested before they are put onto the market.
