The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for an overhaul of the nation’s chemical management policy because the current system fails to protect children and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to hazardous chemical exposures, according to an association news release.
Over the past several decades, tens of thousands of new chemicals have been introduced into the environment, often in extremely large quantities. However, the Toxic Substances Control Act, which governs chemical management, has not undergone meaningful revision since it was first passed in 1976. Since then, the TSCA has been used to regulate only five chemicals or chemical classes.
The AAP recommends that the chemical-management policy be “substantially revised.” AAP has made several other recommendations:
• The regulation of chemicals must be based on evidence, but decisions to ban chemicals should be based on reasonable levels of concern rather than demonstrated harm.
• Any testing of chemicals should include the impact on women and children, including potential effects on reproduction and development.
• Chemicals should meet safety standards similar to those met by pharmaceuticals or pesticide residues on food.
• There should be post-marketing surveillance of chemicals, and the EPA must have the authority to remove a chemical if needed.
• Federal funding should be provided for research to prevent, identify and evaluate the effects of chemicals on children’s health.
Other groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association and the American Nurses Association, have also independently recommended changes to the TSCA.
Read the news release about AAP's recommendation to revise the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Read other coverage about quality:
- State Regulators Find Deficiencies at Two UCSD ERs
- Study: Surgical Care Improvement Program Does Not Have the Desired Effect
- California Hospitals Drastically Cut Mortality Rates Stemming From Sepsis Infection
Over the past several decades, tens of thousands of new chemicals have been introduced into the environment, often in extremely large quantities. However, the Toxic Substances Control Act, which governs chemical management, has not undergone meaningful revision since it was first passed in 1976. Since then, the TSCA has been used to regulate only five chemicals or chemical classes.
The AAP recommends that the chemical-management policy be “substantially revised.” AAP has made several other recommendations:
• The regulation of chemicals must be based on evidence, but decisions to ban chemicals should be based on reasonable levels of concern rather than demonstrated harm.
• Any testing of chemicals should include the impact on women and children, including potential effects on reproduction and development.
• Chemicals should meet safety standards similar to those met by pharmaceuticals or pesticide residues on food.
• There should be post-marketing surveillance of chemicals, and the EPA must have the authority to remove a chemical if needed.
• Federal funding should be provided for research to prevent, identify and evaluate the effects of chemicals on children’s health.
Other groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association and the American Nurses Association, have also independently recommended changes to the TSCA.
Read the news release about AAP's recommendation to revise the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Read other coverage about quality:
- State Regulators Find Deficiencies at Two UCSD ERs
- Study: Surgical Care Improvement Program Does Not Have the Desired Effect
- California Hospitals Drastically Cut Mortality Rates Stemming From Sepsis Infection