Protect Connecticut Children from Toxic Chemicals

SB 126 AA Concerning Children's Exposure to Chemicals and HB 5036 AA Concerning Children's Products and Chemicals of High Concern have been raised by the Public Health and the Children's Committees respectively to protect Connecticut children from toxic chemicals in consumer products -- their intent is the same and their language is pretty much the same. Both bills authorize the Department of Public Health to maintain a list of priority chemicals of concern to young children and also report back to the Legislature every 2 years with recommendations. DPH has indicated that doing so will not cost additional dollars -- so NO FISCAL NOTE! As members of the public health community, you understand that reducing our kids' chemical exposure at a young age could help prevent many serious illnesses, developmental disorders and also ultimately save citizens health care costs in the long run - we need to get that message to Connecticut lawmakers.

Please contact both of your state lawmakers ASAP and urge them to support both bills to protect children's health.

House Democrats - 1-800-842-1902

House Republicans - 1-800-842-1423

Senate Democrats - 1-800-842-1420

Senate Republicans - 1-800-842-1421

As you could easily guess, the chemical and toy industry lobby are against these bills - and their lobbyists are already out in full force trying to derail it. We need to let lawmakers know that this bill has strong support from the public health community. I assure you that this bill does nothing more than authorize DPH to keep an eye on the most egregious of these chemicals that are used in children's products. DPH will not have the authority to regulate them, and they will only provide lawmakers with a report every 2 years based on the latest research. The decision to do anything based on DPH's report will be in lawmakers' hands at that time.

FYI - The Children's Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 5036 on Thursday, March 6th at 12noon in Room 2B. A press event on the issue will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Room 1A.

Thank you in advance for your help,

The Connecticut Public Health Association Advocacy Committee