Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Gay Activists Rally Ahead Of Boy Scouts' Ban Vote
How Long Did Neanderthals Nurse? Old Tooth Yields Answer
Pediatricians Want Government to Do More to Protect Kids From Toxic Chemicals
Filed under: In The News
Pediatricians say the Toxic Substances Control Act is ineffective. Credit: Getty Images
So says the American Academy of Pediatrics in a report released April 25 that is bound to get a round of applause from parents.
A lot of parents want to know just which chemicals to avoid. That's the problem, the Los Angeles Times reports. There are sooo many of them. And getting enough evidence to label them "toxic" is hard.
"Over the past several decades, tens of thousands of chemicals have entered commerce and the environment, often in extremely large quantities," the American Academy of Pediatrics report begins.
Pediatricians say the Toxic Substances Control Act is ineffective and stronger policies are needed.
Marc Weisskopf, an environmental epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health, tells the Times that's a tall order.
"Frankly, there are thousands of chemicals in use, and our understanding on neurotoxicity is practically zero," he tells the newspaper.
Only a few chemicals have been studied very thoroughly, Weisskopf adds. This makes knowing which ones might be neurotoxic (disrupting brain activity) and which ones might disrupt hormonal systems tricky, he tells the Times.
The importance of evidence is exaggerated, according to the pediatricians' report.
"The regulation of chemicals must be based on evidence," they write. "However, decisions to limit or ban chemicals or classes of chemicals from commerce or to promote the substitution of demonstrably less hazardous chemicals should be based on reasonable levels of concern and not depend on demonstrated negative health effects after release."
Among the pediatricians' recommendations:
- Any testing of chemicals should include the impact on women and children, including potential effects on reproduction and development.
- Chemicals should meet safety standards similar to those met by pharmaceuticals or pesticide residues on food.
- There should be post-marketing surveillance of chemicals, and the EPA must have the authority to remove a chemical if needed.
- Federal funding should be provided for research to prevent, identify and evaluate the effects of chemicals on children's health.
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
- Here in dc since dec, 6 2006 retired FED BOARD GOV,inventor ,writter, FORMER GOVERNOR (founder of the republic of )DERIAN DOUGLAS HICKMAN
- patent or not civil case the inventor will never lose because the people approved and he makes the rules. it did not exist
- Using a foreign governement company to defend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA alot of .gov huh
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Mom Sprays Kids In Eyes With Chemicals As Punishment
A California mother is under arrest for allegedly spraying her children in the eyes with a toxic chemical as a form of punishment. Officers say they got a call from, of all people, the woman's own husband. He reported the assault on their 9-year-old and 11-year-old daughters.
-
Hidden Toxins in Kid's Toys
The toys your children are playing with and what you buy at the store could be putting your health at risk. In fact, one in three children's toys contain lead, arsenic and other toxic chemicals. We'll show you how one smart mom is taking aim at toxins and getting results.
-
Train Carrying Toxic Chemicals Derails
A train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in Belgium causing a series of explosions and a massive fire. One person was found dead and 17 were injured say local officials. It isn't clear at this what the cause of death was. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene and at least 300 people were evacuated from nearby homes. Those who didn't leave were urged to keep their doors closed as chemical experts surveyed the site.
-
Domestic Danger: Toxic Household Chemicals
Jacob talks to the community about the latest green stories, including the new study that toxic chemical replacements in household items often just as harmful as originals.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family