In recent years a European model has been proposed that insists upon environmental and consumer safety laws for all produced sellable goods.
It requires that thousands of chemicals finally be assessed for their potentially toxic effects on human beings.
It would put an end to the American industry's ability to withhold critical data from the public.
US deregulation of toxic substances, such as lead in lipsticks, mercury in electronics, and phthalates (endocrine disruptors) in baby toys, may not only pose disastrous consequences to America's health, but also to its economic and political status in the world.
Europe has launched stringent new regulations that require companies seeking access to their lucrative markets to eliminate toxic substances and manufacture safer electronics, automobiles, toys and cosmetics.
Numerous dangerous chemicals have been identified via the European Union's 2007 Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals law.
Hundreds of companies located in the US produce or import hundreds of chemicals designated as dangerous by the European Union. Large amounts of these chemicals are being produced in 37 U.S. states.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency only 5% of all chemicals in the US have undergone even minimal testing for their toxicity or environmental impact. It is a true worldwide problem that needs to be addressed and adapted to.
Sources:
Scientific American, September 30, 2008
Title: “European Chemical Clampdown Reaches Across Atlantic”
Author: David Biello
Environmental Defense Fund, September 30, 2008
Title: “How Europe's New Chemical Rules Affect US”
