On June 12, Naga Vikram, MBCC’s Communications and Outreach Intern, testified before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure in support of the Act Relative to Toxic Free Kids (S175/H318).
Click HERE to learn more about the Toxic Free Kids Act and to find a letter template that you can use to contact your legislator in support of this proposed legislation.
Good afternoon. My name is Naga Vikram and I am a high school student at the Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science. I am honored to be working with the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and am here to testify in support of the Toxic Free Kids Bill S175 and H318 — a critical measure that directly impacts the health and well-being of children like me. As a young person, I can relate to the importance of this bill on a personal level. It is deeply concerning to think that the products we use every day may contain harmful chemicals that can negatively affect our health. Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of these substances due to their developing bodies and heightened sensitivity.
The presence of toxic chemicals, such as PFAS, in children’s products has serious implications. These are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to the fact that per and polyfluoroalkyl substances are nearly impossible to break down naturally and can remain in your body and environment for decades. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including hormone disruption, developmental delays, and even cancer. It is disheartening to know that our daily exposure to these substances can have long-lasting consequences on our lives.
After learning more about PFAS, it was a wake-up call for me to realize that the products I used and trusted might contain harmful substances. It made me question the safety of everyday items, from toys to clothing to personal care products. It became clear to me that we need stronger measures in place to protect children from these hidden dangers.
The Toxic Free Kids Bill is a crucial step towards ensuring that our generation and future generations can grow up in a safer environment. By mandating the disclosure of toxic chemicals in children’s products, this bill empowers families to make informed choices and safeguards our health. It allows adolescents like myself to trust that the items we interact with on a daily basis are free from harm.
Passing the Toxic Free Kids Bill is not only about protecting our health now; it is an investment for our future. By prioritizing the well-being of children, we create a foundation for healthier communities and generations to come. We deserve to grow up without the constant worry of hidden toxins lurking in the products we rely on.
In conclusion, I urge you to consider the profound impact that the Toxic Free Kids Bill can have on the lives of children. I implore you to support this legislation and prioritize the health and safety of future generations. I look forward to working with the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition to do all we can to push this bill forward. Let us lead the way in creating a world where toxic chemicals no longer threaten our well-being. Thank you.
Naga Vikram, Communications and Outreach Intern for Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC)
