The New Toxic Chemical Law That Will Keep Us Safer

What does this new act do?

• It enforces clear deadlines that require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate new and existing chemicals against a new, risk-based safety standard.
• It requires the EPA to make decisions and take regulatory action concerning evaluated chemicals.
• It increases the public transparency of chemical information by limiting unwarranted claims of confidentiality and allowing for the appropriate sharing of confidential information with states and health and environmental professionals.
• It provides a source of funding for the EPA to carry out these significant new responsibilities.

Who does this new act help?

The new risk-based safety standard and the requirement of chemical evaluations could prevent harmful chemicals from making their way into consumer products. Better transparency allows safer products to be on the shelves of stores. It also allows consumers to make better-informed choices about the products they choose to purchase for themselves and their families.

When does this new act take effect?

Although the new act takes immediate effect, it does allow the EPA two years to develop policies, procedures and guidance in order to carry out the bill. During this time it might be best to continue doing your own research and using cleaning products you know are natural and safer for your family. Of course, if you clean with microfiber and just water, there’s no need to worry about ever using harsh chemicals!