Public in the dark about toxic chemicals

Finally, we have a bill in Congress to overhaul our failed federal system for regulating chemicals. Under the current Toxic Substances Control Act, virtually none of the 80,000 chemicals on the market today is regulated, despite known links to autism, reproductive disorders, asthma and cancer.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee will be voting on the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act to protect the public against dangerous chemicals. Its lead sponsor is Chicago's own Congressman Bobbie Rush.

The chemical industry is saying this new law will stifle innovation, but I beg to differ. It is current law that stifles innovation by keeping regulators and the public in the dark about the chemical in products - and their hazards. In fact, more innovation is precisely what we need; our chemical policies should incentivize innovation in green chemistry and clean technologies so we can replace the most toxic chemicals with safer alternatives.

It's not enough to have packages that are green on the outside if what's inside is wreaking havoc on our health. We applaud Rep. Rush for his leadership on this crucial legislation and - as the bill makes its way through the legislative process - we urge him to fight to keep it strong.

Sara Tamez

Campaign Coordinator

Illinois Public Interest Research Group

Chicago