Two years ago today, President Obama signed into law bipartisan amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act. Its goal was to address the health risk of the thousands of untested and unregulated chemicals, but EPA’s Scott Pruitt is undermining the law.
The public health community is mourning the death of Andy Igrejas, 47 who was the national campaign director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families.
EPA administrator Scott Pruitt is sending a dangerous message that asbestos can be used safely.
Regulation
Healthcare providers and info on toxic chemicals: Is EPA wiggling away from transparency mandate?
Congress directed EPA to disclose confidential business information to health professionals in certain critical situations involving toxic chemicals. Kudos to the American Public Health Assoc., American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of OB/GYN, and the Environmental Defense Fund for not allowing EPA to wiggle away from Congress’ intent.
Three lawsuits by different public health and environmental groups are challenging EPA’s new regulations on prioritizing and evaluating toxic chemicals. The regulations stem from amendments made by Congress last year to the 40 year old Toxic Substances Control Act. The groups argue that EPA is ignoring congressional intent.
OxyChem imports about 300,000 pounds of asbestos annually. Health groups allege the company failed to report to EPA their significant use of asbestos.
Environmental Health
Revolving door from chemical industry to EPA: No way to boost public confidence
A chemical industry representative said transparency will boost public confidence in the EPA’s chemical safety program. Trump has now appointed her to that office. How transparent will she be?
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution last night urging Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy to warn the public about risk of asbestos exposure.
Canada’s Ministries of Science, Health, Public Services,and Environment will be working over the next year to ban asbestos. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government made the announcement today.
EPA announced yesterday a proposed rule to ban trichloroethylene as a spot-cleaning agent in dry cleaning operations and as an aerosol spray degreaser. The agency is again moving swiftly to use its authority under a chemical safety law.