Help for Children and Youth from Toxic Substances

Approved: ?

Reaffirmed: 2014; 2021

Whereas, Pollution by toxic substances is increasingly associated with a range of serious conditions such as childhood cancer, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and birth defects; and

Whereas, PVC plastic, commonly referred to as vinyl, is one of the most widely used hazardous chemicals ever created. PVC is useless without the addition of a plethora of toxic additives that increase the toxicity of common household products and toys; and

Whereas, Mercury, dioxins, DEHP, and phthalates are added in the production of PVC. All of these additives leach out off-gas or are released by children chewing on PVC products. All are known carcinogens, and

Whereas, The government has almost no authority to protect children from most hazardous chemicals on the market; and

Whereas, Plastic containers made of PVC are required to be marked with a #3 or above in the recycle symbol regulations; therefore, be it

Resolved, That industrial chemicals be safe for infants and children, and be it further

Resolved, That new chemicals be safety-tested before being sold, and be it further

Resolved, That the chemical manufacturers safety test chemicals already on the market that have not been previously tested, and be it further

Resolved, That the EPA be provided with the authority to request regular updates of the health and safety data of these chemicals, and be it further

Resolved, That the testing information be made available to the public; and be it further

Resolved, That the New Jersey PTA and local PTAs provide information on toxic substances as they related to children and youth.

Rationale: The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), passed in 1976, was finally amended in 2016 and signed into law by President Obama entitled the “Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act”.