County Council pledges its support for Toxic-Free Kids Act

February 27, 2012

Summary

Encourages state to take action to protect kids from exposure to toxins

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today urged the Washington state Legislature to continue its effort to protect Washington kids from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. The Council unanimously approved a motion supporting state legislation
that bans toxic flame retardants in children’s products.

“Parents deserve the peace of mind of knowing the products their children sleep and play in are safe and carcinogen-free,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, Chair of the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee. “The Toxic-Free Kids Act keeps kids healthy, and I commend the bill sponsors and The Washington Toxics Coalition for their leadership on this important health and environmental issue.”

The original version of the Toxic-Free Kids Act (SB 6120) banned the use of two cancer-causing Tris flame retardants (TCDPP and TCEP) in children’s products beginning July 1, 2014. Tris flame retardants are a known carcinogen with evidence linking the chemical to neurotoxicity and hormone disruption. The bill also required makers of children’s products that contain bisphenol A (BPA), formaldehyde, antimony, or Tris flame retardants to identify safer chemicals or materials for their products so they don’t substitute one toxic chemical for another.

An amendment proposed during the committee process weakened the legislation. The amendment eliminated the ban on TCDPP—which has been a particular concern of advocates of the legislation. The prohibition on TCDPP has been reinserted in the legislation and the bill is now in the House Rules Committee awaiting final action. The motion adopted by the Council advocates the restoration of the original language.

The Toxic-Free Kids Act is supported by The Washington Toxics Coalition and a broad coalition of doctors, nurses, faith communities, parents, health advocates, and environmentalists.