Trump’s EPA Plan Would Downplay the Dangers of Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products

Trump's EPA Plan Would Downplay the Dangers of Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products

The proposed changes weaken how the agency reviews toxic chemicals

Contacts

Tylar Greene, [email protected]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed fundamental shifts to how it conducts risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for chemicals already in use and already on the market. TSCA, the nation's main chemical safety law, requires EPA to evaluate chemicals used in everyday products-from shower curtains and children's toys to paint strippers and degreasers. EPA is touting the move as increasing efficiency, but the proposed changes undo important provisions that would better protect public health. EPA is giving the chemical industry much of what they have asked for-a promise that EPA will downplay the risks of toxic chemicals, so that industry can continue to put them in our homes and workplaces.

"Yet again, we're seeing Trump's EPA prioritize industry profits over the health, safety, and wellbeing of people. EPA's changes would hide the true dangers of the toxic chemicals we come into contact with," said Kelly Lester, Earthjustice attorney. "Bad risk evaluations mean toxic chemical risks will seem lower than they really are. Families will be left unprotected, because the safeguards built on these flawed evaluations won't address the danger people actually face. EPA needs to do its job and evaluate toxic chemicals the right way, not the corporations' way."

Under TSCA, EPA is required to evaluate chemicals in commerce to determine whether they pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Comprehensive, robust risk evaluations are necessary to understand the full risks associated with a chemical. If EPA does not accurately measure unreasonable risk-an outcome all but guaranteed by EPA's proposed changes-it cannot manage chemicals in a way that fulfills its mandate to eliminate that risk.

Additional Resources

• About the Toxic Exposure & Health Program

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