Keep kids ‘toxic-free’

Originally Published in the Journal Inquirer January 25, 2014 (http://www.journalinquirer.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/january---letters/article_15c2b5a8-84ec-11e3-ad4d-0019bb2963f4.html).

Connecticut lawmakers will return early next month to the Capitol to address and debate issues that are important to our state.

One issue that I urge legislators to take on this year is protecting kids from the many chemicals used in commerce today.

With more than 80,000 chemicals having been introduced into commerce during the past 30 years and only a small percentage of them having been tested for safety on humans — let alone children — this problem is big and getting bigger everyday.

Recent studies have shown that chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and flame-retardants are dangerous to humans.

Thankfully, some manufacturers and stores are actually listening. In the past year both Target and Wal-Mart announced that they have developed chemical policies in order to protect their consumers.

That’s a good start, but there are still far too many manufacturers that continue to use them in products marketed for children, far too many stores that continue to put these items on their shelves, and far too many consumers who buy these items because they have no idea they are harmful to their children’s health.

As consumers and parents, we shouldn’t need to have a Ph.D. in chemistry in order to shop for safe products for our families. As a mom, I’d appreciate knowing that an item on a store shelf marketed for children’s use is safe for my kids.

Connecticut needs legislation that protects children from chemicals known to be dangerous to their health. I urge all legislators to focus on children’s health, and pass a law to keep our kids "toxic-free.”

Noele Kidney

Ellington

The writer is project coordinator for the Connecticut Public Health Association and works with the CT Campaign for Toxic-Free Kids.