Whatever happened to better safe than sorry

better-safe-than-sorry
The tripartite of Senators Udall (D, NM), Vitter (R, LA) and the chemical industry are about to introduce a “reform” bill that the chemical industry is applauding. Their pleasure gives us great pause.

While Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) has long been calling for a much needed overhaul to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) from 1976, we caution that not all change is for the good of the public. The proposed bill will only require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to start review of 25 chemicals within 5 years and allows the agency at least 7 years (yes, seven years) to review each chemical. However, the EPA estimates that there are over 1,000 chemicals that need immediate review. How many more generations will be negatively affected by potentially harmful chemicals if this bill is enacted?

MBCC once again asks isn’t it better to be safe and restrict potentially harmful chemicals now, than be sorry once their burden and impact takes hold of another generation?

You can read more about the proposed “reform” here.