OEC Battles Chemical Industry Over Safer Kids’ Products
In 2015, Oregon Environmental Council championed the Toxic Free Kids Act. The law is designed to make children’s products safer by eliminating toxic chemicals scientifically linked to health impacts. Now, this landmark protection for kids and consumers is nearing a critical crossroads.
In a recent meeting with state agencies, industry trade groups launched another attack on the law. They want to be able to continue using toxic chemicals without proving their products are safe.
On top of that, some manufacturers want Oregon taxpayers to foot the bill when they are required to assess the safety of the children’s products that bring them profit.
OEC will continue to fight to protect kids’ health and for strong regulations on toxic chemicals in children’s products.
You can help us. Sign our petition and stay tuned for your opportunity to make your voice heard this summer!
This data on persistent and/or bio-accumulative chemicals in children’s products was reported to the Oregon Health Authority in 2018. The table below may take a moment to load. For more information on the links between these chemicals and health effects, visit
Parents are already so overwhelmed just being parents, and the pressure of the holidays can compound these feelings. That’s why, when it comes to buying toxic-free toys for the little ones in our lives, we may feel torn. We want to make sure the gifts we choose are safe, but we also just want to get our shopping done. How do we begin to d
It isn’t glamorous, and sometimes it is downright tedious–but participating in rulemaking for Oregon’s Toxic Free Kids Act is also one of the more rewarding parts of my job. Why? Because at every meeting, I get to stand up for children’s health as a top priority in
Irie Searcy was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She lives here today where she works as an energy home performance advisor.
On July 11, 2014, her son was born. The arrival of Luca changed Irie’s world forever.
“I love that Luca is such a happy baby who brightens my day with his smiles and giggles.”
“Having Luca in my life has changed how I look at the food and products that I bring into my home. I am always conscious of what I
For years, OEC has been fighting to get toxics out of children’s products. Oregonians strongly support the state taking action, but our legislators have yet to do so. But together, we can make 2015 the year that the Toxics Free Kids Act (SB 478) becomes law once and for all.
Yesterday, Helen Anderson testified that businesses should be held accountable for toxics in consumer products. She was speaking as a nurse, as a mom–but also as an international business woman. Helen
Did you know that thousands of children’s products on the shelves today contain hazardous chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental disorders? Yet manufacturers don’t disclose these chemicals—not to parents, or doctors, or even to health authorities. In 2015, Oregon has a chance to take a closer look at these chemicals and to protect our children from risks that can undermine health over a lifetime. Join us to learn more about SB 478, the Toxic Free Kids Ac
Parents have no way of knowing which products contain harmful carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and other chemicals of concern, and neither do doctors, public health officials—or even the retailers that sell the products.
It’s time to take a closer look. It’s time for manufacturers to give us the information we need to protect health. And it’s time to start looking for safer chemical alternatives.
The below businesses, health care organizations and others have joined together to
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