Thursday is a big -- and long overdue -- day. And American moms, like me, will be tuned in and watching.
Usually, hearings in Congress get little attention from the general public, let alone busy moms. But this Thursday is a big day for those of us who care about protecting American families from toxic chemicals.
The U.S. Senate will be holding a hearing on "The Safe Chemicals Act," a bill sponsored by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). The bill, a much-needed overhaul of our antiquated laws, will help us all protect our families from toxic chemicals.
I just gave birth to my second child, and I can tell you that there is no stronger instinct for a mom then wanting to protect her kids and keep them safe. My children have changed my life in wonderful ways. They've brought me tremendous joy. They've also made me conscious of every product I buy, from toys to mattresses to cleaning products. I hope that the decisions I make will shield my children from harm. Yet today, it's impossible to be sure. As parents, we just don't have the information we need to keep our kids safe from toxic chemicals in many household products.
Many moms and dads believe that our government is making sure there aren't toxic chemicals in our products. And for a long time, I thought the same thing.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. It is still legal to use lead, mercury, asbestos and formaldehyde in many common household products. Even worse, there are thousands of other chemicals in use that have never been tested for safety at all!
We require all kinds of companies to make sure that their products are safe before they're sold, from food to pharmaceuticals to pickup trucks. And yet there is no requirement that the chemicals used in consumer products be tested for safety, even if they're used in products made for children.
Would you give your child medicine that hadn't been tested to make sure it was safe?
Parents are often shocked to find out that there are dangerous chemicals in their child's plastic baby bottles, toys, baby soap, shower curtains, and even in their crib mattresses. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
That's why parents are demanding action from Congress now. That's why we need the Safe Chemicals Act.
I am hopeful that members of both parties will see this as an issue of basic common sense -- for the health of their kids and grandkids and those of their constituents. I believe they will do the right thing. And I am encouraged by bipartisan efforts to make progress on this issue. Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma, the lead Republican on the committee hearing this bill, has joined with Senator Lautenberg to seek common ground on this issue.
I hope the companies that make chemicals and household products will step up, too, and become partners in passing this important legislation. The Safe Chemicals Act will enhance their brands and their businesses, and, most importantly, serve their customers well -- especially their tiniest ones.
Moms (and dads!) across the country are busy people. They are trying to raise their kids and support their families. But on Thursday, lots of us moms will be watching online on behalf of parents across the country.
Every kid has the right to be safe in her home. Every mom has the right to know that the products she buys for her child are free of toxic chemicals.
We have hope and faith in our political system to fix this problem, and we are counting on our U.S. Senators to get it done. For the sake of our kids, do not let us down.
For more information and to join the campaign go to the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families website www.saferchemicals.org or Facebook page. Click here to call your U.S. Senator today and ask them to support The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.
Safe Chemicals Act - Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families
Sen. Lautenberg Introduces Chemicals Reform Bill, Saying Current ...
Having said that... When we all were growing up there were thousands of much more dangerous materials everywhere and we're all still here.
Having said that as well... you go girl! lol (it wouldn't be me if I didn't mess this up)
Tell you what, Jessica, if you start a group that petitions businesses to voluntarily give us the information the guns in Washington, I'll join it and even contribute money to it. If businesses understand that consumers are more likely to buy their products if they advertise this information, they will have an incentive to do it. That's far lest costly for us tax payers than to hire more guns to create and enforce more laws.
Way to step up and put yourself out there in support of children and our future environment. :) It's easy to be cynical these days when there is so much chaos and illegal/immoral activity going on around. Hope,faith and some action on our part can make a diffference. Change.org is proving that daily. Keep fighting the good fight and know your efforts will be rewarded. :) Your appreciated!
Children get upwards of 36 vaccines before they are 2 years old. Do you know what is in all those shots?
Did you also know that both the pharmaceutical industry and the doctors have blanket immunity regarding those shots? That if your child has a severe reaction to one (not that you could tell which one, as they give several shots at each visit), you CANNOT sue the manufacturer, nor the doctor?
A major chemical that is never mentioned in these articles is perfume and air fresheners. These products are made from petrochemicals and have no safety testing. I think many peoples main exposure to toxic chemicals is from fragrances in the home and workplace.
In addition, adult vaccines continue to be preserved with thimerosal.
Vaccine manufacturers continue to make thimerosal-preserved pediatric vaccines, which they sell to 3rd world countries.
Autism has been linked with vaccines since before "the British Doctor" hit the news. The US "vaccine court" has admitted and compensated 1400 cases of vaccine-induced brain damage--many of which cases include autism.
I'm not a proponent of big government but it seems that there is a need for someone to provide oversight in order to keep the balance. At some point you have to sacrifice to effect change. That's been proven time and again for thousands of years. This moment in time is no different.
Not enough emphasis on parenting "properly" and not enough accountability = chaos and we are damn close.