Disclaimer: This post is a part of a sponsored awareness program and campaign by Seventh Generation and in conjunction with Mom Bloggers For Social Good to raise awareness and demand change to the Toxic Substances Control Act. Research for this post was provided by Seventh Generation, but all written opinions are my own.
When I was pregnant with Josiah, I read an article on the Seventh Generation website about the types of toxic chemicals often found in common household products and was completely taken aback. Upon searching my house, I found that I had many of the same products with those hazardous and toxic ingredients! As a future mom, this was a wake-up call and I decided that day to read labels and educate myself on the products I purchased. Those toxic products were disposed of and we've never looked back. Since then, we've been huge Seventh Generation fans and have not only used their products, but stood by their campaigns to fight toxins and educate others about chemicals.We are joining Mom Bloggers For Social Good to become Toxin Freedom Fighters and spread the word about the need to update and reform the Toxic Chemicals Control Act of 1976.
What is the Toxic Substances Control Act & why is this reform necessary?
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed in 1976, which included 60,000 chemicals and it has NEVER been updated. Since then, 20,000 new chemicals have been added, but fewer than 10,000 have ever been tested. It's been over 35 years since that act was passed and we've made barely any headway with testing chemicals and finding out conclusive evidence as to whether or not they are safe. The goal of the act was to ensure safety, but it has failed to do so and left the Environmental Protection Agency unable to adequately test chemicals that may be unsafe.
As a mom, all of this is completely disconcerting and alarming. There are 62,000 chemicals remaining on the market that have NOT been tested and guess what? These chemicals are found in a variety of products, including toys and other children's items, cleaning and personal care items, furniture, electronics, food and beverage containers, building materials, fabrics, and car interiors. Imagine the impact this can have on our own health and our environment.
As many of you know, my son has brain tumors and receives chemotherapy. He was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, though the cause remains unknown. To think that certain chemicals in our environment could possibly be the cause is disturbing to say the least. Could this have been avoided if our government adequately tested chemicals? Even exposure to low doses of certain chemicals, especially in the womb or in early childhood, can effect hormonal, reproductive, and immune systems. Imagine the possible harm exposure to multiple chemicals could cause. Cancer, as in my son's case, learning disabilities (which are also linked to NF), asthma, and birth defects are all associated, in some way, to exposure to toxic chemicals. It's a scary fact and something we have the ability to fight!
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| My brave little Liam... one of the many reasons we signed the petition! |
How Can You Fight Toxic Chemicals?
This is such an important subject and something I believe all people, especially parents, should take special interest. Seventh Generation is calling for all concerned citizens to sign a petition on FightToxins.com that will be sent to Congress on April 30th, 2014. The petition calls for a re-evaluation of the Toxic Chemicals Control Act for the very first time since 1976. We need YOUR help to gain the 100,000 signatures needed to make a difference. You have the ability to really make a difference for yourself, for others and for the future of your own children. Please take a moment to sign the petition and join us as a toxin freedom fighter!
Disclaimer: This post is a part of a sponsored awareness program and campaign by Seventh Generation and in conjunction with Mom Bloggers For Social Good to raise awareness and demand change to the Toxic Substances Control Act. Research for this post was provided by Seventh Generation, but all written opinions are my own.
