photo by cliff1066 via flickr

Some exciting changes are on the horizon at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. After mounting concerns over the past few years about the negative effects of  Bisphenol-A and other chemicals, the EPA is finally addressing the outdated system for managing chemicals in consumer products.

Lisa Jackson, the Administrator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced this week that the EPA will push for revision to the existing law.

In a speech to a meeting of the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, Jackson outlined goals for reforming the 1976 Toxic Substances Control act, or TCSA.  In conjunction with the legislative effort, an EPA press release said that Jackson announced wants to strengthen the EPA’s chemical management program and speed up it’s process for dealing with chemicals that may pose a risk to the public.

According to an EPA press release, Jackson made the announcement at a Commonwealth Club meeting in San Francisco, saying:

“…as more and more chemicals are found in our bodies and the environment, the public is understandably anxious and confused. Many are turning to government for assurance that chemicals have been assessed using the best available science, and that unacceptable risks haven’t been ignored.
Our oversight of the 21st century chemical industry is based on the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act….over the years, not only has TSCA fallen behind the industry it’s supposed to regulate – it’s been proven an inadequate tool for providing the protection against chemical risks that the public rightfully expects. Today I’m announcing clear Administration principles to guide Congress in writing a new chemical risk management law that will fix the weaknesses in TSCA.”

The administration’s goals outlined included reviewing chemicals based on “sound science” and “risk-based safety standards” and giving the EPA clear authority to regulate when chemicals don’t measure  up. The press release also mentions the administration’s commitment to encouraging green chemistry and strengthening transparency and public access to information.

Lisa Jackson pictured with Jim Prentice, environment minister of Canada

According to The Daily Green, legislation will be introduced shortly, but in the coming months, Jackson said the EPA will be focusing on the 6 common chemicals that have caused the most concerns in recent years:

1.Bisphenol-A, which is used in polycarbonate plastics, most commonly in plastic baby bottles and water bottles and coating of food containers. The chemical has been associated with a wide variety of health problems, including prostate and breast cancer, obesity, attention deficit disorder, brain damage and early puberty. Today, more than 6 billion pounds of BPA are produced per year.

2. Phthalates, which are used in toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo. According to the Environmental Working Group, phthalates have been associated with disrupting the endocrine system.

3.Brominated flame retardants have been used for years in consumer products and electronics to reduce fires and fire-related injuries. Concern has mounted against BFRs because of the presence of the chemicals in the environment and in people. The effects of BFRs is unknown because of limited data, but an Environmental Health Perspectives article said that available data does suggest that we should be concerned.

4.PFOA and PFOS and other perfluorinated compounds, which are found in non-stick coatings and food packaging.  According to the EPA, this class of compounds are “toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative.”

5.Chlorinated parafins, which are used in polyvinyl chloride flooring and are a known carcinogen and are suspected of effecting liver function.

6. Benzidine dyes, which have been linked to bladder cancer. Benzidine dyes and pigments were once widely used in cloth, paper and leather products, but it has not been manufactured for sale in the U.S. since the 70s. Products colored with benzidine dyes and pigments are, however, often imported.

The EPA promised new action plans for dealing with these chemicals will be posted by December.