Precedent-setting
Safer Alternatives Bill Will Prevent Illnesses
(Boston, MA) Today the Massachusetts Senate passed
legislation that will safeguard public health by replacing toxic chemicals with
safer alternatives. Supporters of An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer
Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals (The Safer Alternatives Bill) praised the
Senate's action that takes the bill one step closer to becoming law. The bill
would also help Massachusetts expand trade with foreign
markets that have recently tightened toxic chemical standards such as the
European Union.
Led by
Senator Steven Tolman (D-Brighton) and Senator Pam Resor (D-Acton), efforts to
move the bill forward in the Senate gained momentum in the wake of last year's
product recalls over hazardous ingredients such as lead in children's toys and
lipstick. It is supported by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT), a
coalition of over 160 organizations -health, labor, scientific, environmental,
faith and community groups - working to promote the use of safer alternatives to
toxic chemicals where feasible. Legislative sponsors and advocates from AHT
proposed the legislation in response to mounting scientific evidence that
indicates toxic chemicals are contributing to a chronic disease
epidemic.
"The
Senators have realized that this is a business friendly way to protect our
health from toxic chemicals. It gently weans companies off outdated toxic
chemicals by providing safer and more competitive alternatives," said Lee
Ketelsen, Clean Water Action Regional Director. "We owe President Murray, and
all Senate champions, our thanks for their leadership in protecting the health
and economy of Massachusetts."
"Asking
manufacturers to make safer products is nothing extraordinary especially when
proven, effective alternatives to toxic chemicals exist," said Senator Pamela
Resor (D-Acton), Co-Chair of the Environment Committee. "Massachusetts is poised
to be the leader in the nation for promoting toxic substitution with the
important research being done at the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at
UMass Lowell. If we can keep toxics out of everyday products, then we will be
safeguarding the health of our environment and our
children."
"This
legislation will put Massachusetts at the forefront of responsible
chemical policy and safeguard the residents of the Commonwealth from the very
real and unseen dangers of toxic chemicals, "said Senator Steven Tolman
(D-Brighton), lead Senate sponsor of the bill. "These chemicals have,
unfortunately, become a part of our everyday lives and have been proven to be
the root cause of many of the health disorders affecting the people of this
state."
The Safer
Alternatives Bill will require evaluation of designated "Priority Toxic
Chemicals" which are used in Massachusetts and are linked to chronic
illnesses, and then mandate safer alternatives to these chemicals where
feasible. The bill will provide for transition assistance to businesses and
increase the international competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses.
"We applaud
the action of those Senators who took a stand to defend public health and we are
hopeful that members of the House do the same," said Erin Boles, Associate
Executive Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. "This is a
great day for families across the state who are struggling with cancer and other
illnesses linked to toxic chemicals - today's vote in the Senate gives us all
hope for a healthier tomorrow."
A majority
of House members supports the bill, including lead sponsor Representative Jay
Kaufman (D-Lexington) and Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Co-Chair of
the Environment Committee.
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The Alliance For A Healthy Tomorrow is The
Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) is a
coalition
of citizens, scientists, health professionals,
workers, and educators seeking preventive action on toxic hazards.
