Sen. Rest Introduces Bill Protecting Kids From Toxic Chemicals

**Information provided by Minnesota Senate.

On Feb. 14, State Senator Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) introduced legislation requiring personal care products intended for children under 12 to be formaldehyde-free within a year. The bill is part of a larger package of child protection legislation being pushed by the Minnesota-based public health coalition, Healthy Legacy.

“We know that formaldehyde is toxic and harmful to kids,” said Sen. Rest. “Some companies already recognize this danger and have taken action. But now, we want a standard for formaldehyde-free products across the industry.”

The Formaldehyde in Children’s Personal Care Products Act is one of three bills announced today that builds on the momentum of the Toxic Free Kids Act of 2009. In 2009, the Minnesota Department of Health and Pollution Control Agency created a list of chemicals of high concern. They identified nine highly dangerous chemicals used in children’s products – formaldehyde, BPA, lead, cadmium, three phthalates and two flame retardants.

Studies continuously prove that formaldehyde and BPA threaten children’s health and that safer alternatives are available. The bills introduced today are sensible steps to protecting Minnesota’s kids.

“We know these chemicals are dangerous and I look forward to working on this issue in the Senate and with the House” said Sen. Rest.