Approved: 2009
Reaffirmed: 2016
WHEREAS pollution by toxic substances is increasingly associated with a range of serious conditions such as childhood cancer. Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and birth defect; 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 which increases 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 the 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; 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, 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 health and safety data, and be it further
RESOLVED that testing information be made available to the public, and be it further
RESOLVED that the NJPTA, its County Councils, and local PTAs support the passage of the Kids Safe Chemical Act now in the US Congress; and be it further
RESOLVED that the NJPTA, its County Councils, and local PTAs provide information on toxic substances as they relate to children and youth.
Rationale: The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), passed in 1976, had never been amended. This law is so weak as a public health statute that the EPA was unable to ban asbestos under this law. The Kid-Safe Chemical Act would remedy this situation by giving the EPA the mandate to protect public health from chemical exposures and the authority to get the job done. The manufacturer must make the safety determination and provide health and safety information to the public.
Phthalates — an ester of phthalic acid added to plastics to increase their flexibility.
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