[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTORY REMARKS FOR ``CARCINOGEN-FREE LABEL ACT''

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                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, exposure to cancer-causing agents increases 
every American's risk of cancer, and they are found in everyday 
products and in the environment.
  Since only 5 percent of cancer is caused by genetic factors, people 
can reduce their risk of getting cancer by the other 95 percent of 
causes by reducing their exposure to carcinogens.
  We all know that we can reduce our risk of getting cancer by wearing 
sunscreen, quitting smoking, and steering clear of asbestos. But what 
about everyday products? Which makeup has carcinogens? Which 
pesticides? Which air fresheners, carpet cleaners, flea collars, and 
yes, food items, increase your family's risk of cancer? Which baby 
shampoos?
  The reality is consumers do not know. Even if our constituents 
memorized the list of known and probable carcinogens, many substances 
in consumer products remain hidden. Words like ``fragrance'' and 
``artificial flavoring'' are used in place of specific ingredients to 
protect companies' trade secrets, and they should. But there is no 
denying that this protection makes it harder for consumers to make 
fully informed choices.
  And even if known carcinogens were not part of a product's ingredient 
list, certain manufacturing or storage practices can result in the 
introduction of carcinogens into a product, which then can pass into 
your body.
  Today, along with my distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick), I am introducing legislation called the 
``Carcinogen-Free Label Act.'' Under this bipartisan bill, 
manufacturers who would like to market their products as being 
completely free of all known carcinogens would be allowed to seek a 
``carcinogen-free'' label. By submitting a confidential application to 
be evaluated by the agency that regulates its specific product, a 
manufacturer could provide consumers assurance that the product is free 
of known carcinogens without having to divulge valuable trade secrets. 
The voluntary application would protect manufacturers' hard-earned 
intellectual property and could not be used by any agency of government 
for any reason other than determining the product's ``carcinogen-free'' 
status.
  The application would simply include a full list of substances and a 
demonstrated adherence to best carcinogen-avoidance practices in 
manufacture, storage, and transportation. In addition, this program 
would not mandate any new bureaucracy to evaluate carcinogens; it 
simply creates a process for agencies to compare ingredients lists 
against existing government lists of known and probable carcinogens.
  Unlike other well-intentioned efforts to get carcinogens out of 
consumer products, this legislation would not rely on mandates or bans. 
If a manufacturer does not choose to apply, there is no penalty. The 
labeling program is 100 percent voluntary. It would simply harness the 
power of the free market, enabling consumers to choose safer products 
for themselves and their families.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this market-driven legislation and give 
consumers and families across America the power to opt-out of cancer-
causing substances in everyday products.

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