US Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 (HR 2359)

The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, HR 2359, was introduced by Rep. Schakowsky in June 2011 and referred to subcommittee in September 2011. The Safe Cosmetics Act would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to regulate cosmetics by Health and Human Services including requiring labeling and ingredient identification.

US Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S 847)

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847), introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg on April 14, 2011, to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Chemical Policy Resources

Resources are listed below on policies that require manufacturers to take responsibility for the materials and chemicals that are used in the manufacture of products. 

Chemical Programs: Other

A number of businesses are already producing healthier products that yield better environmental and economic impacts. Six case studies of companies making innovative products while eliminating toxics are described in Healthy Business Strategies for Transforming the Toxic Chemical Economy, a 2006 report by Clean Production Action. It is often difficult to determine safer alternatives to commonly used toxic chemicals.

Chemical Programs: Government

On June 4, 2007, the Northwest Chapter of the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) hosted a Northwest Chemicals Policy Symposium in Troutdale, Oregon. The symposium helped generate interest in solving chemical policy challenges at a Northwest regional level.

Chemical Programs

Designers, manufacturers and producers should take responsibility for minimizing the environmental and health impacts of their products. Where no alternatives to toxic components and ingredients exist, the producer should be responsible for assisting in the management of the product at the end of life. Policies that restrict toxic chemicals and promote safer alternatives result in safer products that are easier to reuse and recycle. Chemical policy reform should:

Washington State Public Health Association Resolution (06-02)

In 2006, the WSPHA adopted WSPHA Resolution 06-02 (PDF file, 34KB), a resolution endorsing the Precautionary Principle as a public health tool for preventing harm from persistent bioaccumulative toxic chemicals (PBTs). The Precautionary Principle holds that those who produce goods should be responsible for ensuring they are healthy for the population.

Washington Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Law (HB 1024)

In 2007, landmark legislation, HB 1024 (PDF file, 30KB), was passed to phase out the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) including Deca (Chapter 70.76 RCW). PBDEs are flame retardants used in consumer products.

Washington Children's Safe Products Act of 2008 (HB 2647/ SB 6530)

On April 1, 2008, the Children's Safe Products Act of 2008 (HB 2647 / SB 6530) was signed in to law. The bill prohibits the sale of toys and other children's products containing more than 90 parts per million (ppm) lead, or 40 ppm cadmium, or 1000 ppm of any of six phthalates starting July 1, 2009.

City of Portland and Multnomah County Toxics Reduction Strategy (Res. 06-073)

In 2006, the City of Portland and Multnomah County passed Resolution 06-073, the Toxics Reduction Strategy. The strategy is a plan for minimizing toxic substances of concern in government operations by using the precautionary principle.

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