Bush Administration Ignores Chemical Hazards

News and Opinion for Democrats Against Bush -- Part II

Bush Administration Ignores Chemical Hazards

"Even if health concerns are raised after a chemical is on the U.S. market, the government often does not require that it be tested in any systematic way. And manufacturers can continue making it for years.
"When companies do come across possible risks, they must submit data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But companies can - and for most new chemicals, do - claim the information is confidential. As a result, the information is never available to the public."

Tom Avril, Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia Inquirer

	Posted on Tue, Nov. 04, 2003

	U.S. chemical regulation leaves much unknown Europe wants more tests. Industry sees big costs. By Tom Avril Inquirer Staff Writer *The complete article is currently (3/29/04) available on the Philadelphia Inquirer's website. Click here--* http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/living/health/7178401.htm?1c *Opening words--* Without requiring lab tests to determine their safety, the U.S. government has approved thousands of chemicals for use in such products as sofa cushions, soaps, paints and baby bottles. On average, two more chemicals are approved every day. The result: Consumers are unwittingly part of a vast, uncontrolled lab experiment. "We're treating [people] worse than lab rats," said Karen Florini, a lawyer with the nonprofit group Environmental Defense. "At least with lab rats, somebody bothers to collect the data." ... Contact staff writer Tom Avril at 215-854-2430 or tavril@phillynews.com.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/living/health/7178401.htm

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