By Mike Krafcik, FOX CT
HARTFORD — Connecticut lawmakers are looking at ways to protect children from toxic chemicals. At a hearing Thursday, one state representative called the matter an urgent health issue.
Lawmakers are eager to find out what harmful chemicals are in everyday products like clothing, toys and crib mattresses.
State Representative Diana Urban (D- North Stonington) joined parents, lawmakers and members of the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy gathered Thursday morning to drum up support on a bill that would authorize the state to study and identify chemicals that could make children sick.
A similar bill would also ban the use of certain flame retardant chemicals— used in products like toys, car seats and other baby products.
Rep. Urban says the state needs to step-in when the federal government does not.
“The states have to step up, too. The toxic control and substance act— passed in 1976 has not been updated since then, so don’t look to the federal government,” said Urban.
This is considered an urgent health matter by some experts who say reducing the risk of exposure would stem a rising number of illnesses and disorders associated with toxic chemicals.