What's New
More
than one third of the U.S.
population suffers from chronic diseases including cancers, asthma, learning
and developmental disabilities, birth defects, diabetes, ALS and Parkinson’s
disease. Scientific evidence increasingly uncovers links between toxic
chemicals and higher rates of these diseases and disorders. Children are
especially vulnerable.
To make Massachusetts healthier and safer, Environment
Massachusetts is working to reduce our exposure to harmful, toxic chemicals in
a number of ways:
• An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: The Toxic Ten
• Healthy Schools: Safer Cleaning
Products
• Stop
Toxic Toys
• Reducing
Pesticides
Brief Summary
A child’s first few years are an exciting time for parents who hope, if nothing else, that their child starts his or her life happy and healthy. Unfortunately, not all products marketed for children and babies are completely safe for their use. Many contain toxic chemicals that may have detrimental health impacts for children exposed during critical stages of development. As children’s minds and bodies go through the delicate processes of growing and developing, they are particularly vulnerable to chemicals that could affect proper development.
Too often toxic chemicals are the default choice for businesses. Without preventative policies in place, these chemicals, erroneously assumed to be innocent until proven guilty, add to a growing toxic burden for our children to shoulder. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to the chemicals commonly used in children’s products, and some manufacturers are currently using them. But most don’t, which is why we need to require the replacement of harmful chemicals in children’s products with safer alternatives. With all of the risks out there, parents should not have to worry about whether or not their kid’s toy is toxic. Massachusetts must protect children’s health by banning the most dangerous toxic chemicals from children’s products. After all, our children’s health is nothing to play with.
