Educate Yourself

Chemical Policy Reform

Educate Yourself

The Problem
The U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (1976)

Most Chemicals Are NOT Effectively Regulated in the U.S. Only pesticides, food and drugs are regulated prior to use.
• 62,000 chemicals in commerce “grandfathered”
• 20,000 new chemicals have been introduced
• 85% have no health data
• 67% no data at all

Halogenated Flame Retardant Chemicals

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Halogenated Flame Retardants
• Halogenated flame retardants are chemical compounds containing chlorine or bromine bonded to carbon.
• They are used in commercial and consumer products to meet flammability requirements.
• Many are persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic.
• Their value in preventing fires is questionable.
• The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) has banned 21 chemicals, all are halogenated.

Additional Information:

Links to Halogenated Flame Retardant Articles and Presentations

Information for Consumers

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How To Reduce the Toxics In Your Home

Avoid …
1. Upholstered furniture that contains polyurethane foam and has a label stating it meets, the California furniture flammability standard. Technical Bulletin 117 (TB117). Such furniture is likely to contain flame retardants that are toxic or untested and do not increase fire safety.

Other Halogens in Consumer Products

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Perfluorinated Chemicals
• Perfluorinated chemicals are stable and persistent in the environment, humans, and animals. They are found globally in water, air and soil.
• Results from animal studies have indicated adverse health effects, including hepatotoxicity, developmental toxicity, thyroid hormone imbalance, carcinogenicity and immunotoxicity

Chlorinated Antimicrobials