[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 113 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1195-E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DECREASE UNSAFE TOXINS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 2013

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Decrease 
Unsafe Toxins (D.U.S.T.) Act, which would ban children's cushioned 
products that contain an unacceptable level of toxic flame retardant 
chemicals. In doing so, this bill would reduce infant and children 
exposure to these harmful chemicals.
  This bill would set a maximum level of 1,000 parts per million for 
the toxic chemicals in the filling materials used in products, such as 
high chairs, strollers, bouncers, infant walkers, changing pads, and 
baby carriers.
  Studies clearly show that exposure to these toxic chemicals may be 
associated with cancer, birth defects, immune disruption, reproductive 
disorders, hormonal imbalances, and neurologic and mental development 
disorders. Toddlers who crawl in the dust and put their hands in their 
mouths have three to four times the levels of toxic flame retardants in 
their bodies compared to their parents. This is at an age when their 
neurological and reproductive organs are still developing and they are 
the most vulnerable to the toxic effects of the chemicals.
  In addition to the potential health hazards, flame retardants have 
not been found to significantly improve fire safety or prevent 
ignitions from small flame sources. According to data from fire 
protection groups, such as the National Fire Protection Association, no 
fire safety benefit exists from including flame retardant chemicals in 
these products.
  Our current regulatory system does not protect our children from such 
toxic chemicals. We must act now to help reduce our exposure and 
protect our most vulnerable, our children.
  The legislation has been endorsed by the Green Science Policy 
Institute, Women's Voices for the Earth, Clean Production Action, 
Physicians for Social Responsibility, First Focus, Environmental 
Working Group, Zero to Three, IKEA North America Services, and the U.S. 
Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), Children's Defense Fund, and 
Alaska Community Action on Toxins. I hereby submit for the Record 
letters of support from these organizations and urge the House of 
Representatives to consider this bill to improve the health of infants 
and kids in communities across America.

                               Green Science Policy Institute,

                                      Berkeley, CA, July 17, 2013.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: The Green Science Policy 
     Institute is writing in support of the Decrease Unsafe Toxins 
     (DUST) Act that will be introduced in the 113th Congress. The 
     DUST Act seeks to amend the Consumer Product Safety 
     Improvement Act of 2008 to ban flame retardant chemicals from 
     use in resilient filling materials in children's products.
       At Green Science Policy Institute independent research and 
     scientific integrity guide our mission to promote responsible 
     use of chemicals, ensuring a healthy planet for current and 
     future generations. We provide unbiased scientific data to 
     facilitate informed decision-making about the use of 
     chemicals in consumer products. We encourage scientists to 
     use their research in the public interest. We are currently 
     focusing on reducing the use of unnecessary flame retardants 
     due to their adverse impacts on human and environmental 
     health.
       Flame retardant chemicals are currently added to the foam 
     of baby products and furniture to meet California Furniture 
     Flammability Standard Technical Bulletin 117 (TB117). Flame 
     retardant use in California furniture and juvenile products 
     to meet 1B117 has not led to a measurable improvement in fire 
     safety. The use of some halogenated flame retardants may 
     actually decrease fire safety since they can increase the 
     amount of soot, smoke, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases 
     produced when a product does burn. The soot and smoke can 
     impede escape and toxic gases, rather than flames, are the 
     largest cause of fire deaths. Importantly, baby products do 
     not pose a fire hazard.
       TB117 is scheduled to be updated on January 1, 2014 so 
     flame retardants will no longer be needed in children's 
     product foam in California. DUST Act legislation will align 
     with this important change.
       Working in collaboration with researchers at Duke 
     University and the San Francisco Estuary Institute, Green 
     Science Policy Institute collected foam samples from baby 
     products and found that 80% of products tested contained 
     chemical flame retardants which are either known to be 
     associated with adverse health effects or lack adequate 
     health information.
       Children and infants are most sensitive to the adverse 
     health effects of these chemicals, some of which have been 
     linked with reduced IQ, learning disorders, reduced 
     fertility, thyroid disruption and cancer. Babies are born 
     with these chemicals in their bodies and get a further dose 
     from their mother's milk and exposure to baby products.
       The average American home can contain pound levels of these 
     chemicals. Flame retardant chemicals leak from products into 
     dust. Dust gets on hands and food. Babies and children crawl, 
     sit and play on the floor where dust settles. They explore 
     the world by putting things in their mouths.
       We urge Congress to adopt the DUST Act to protect infants 
     and children from these unnecessary harmful toxins.
           Sincerely,
     Dr. Arlene Blum,
       Executive Director.
     Dr. Veena Singla,
       Associate.
                                  ____
                                  
                                             Physicians for Social


                                  Responsibility--Los Angeles,

                                   Los Angeles, CA, July 30, 2013.
     Re Support the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act

     Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro,
     Rayburn House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: On behalf of Physicians for 
     Social Responsibility--Los Angeles, we write to express our 
     strong support for the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act that 
     will be introduced in the 113th Congress. The DUST Act amends 
     the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to ban 
     flame retardants chemicals from use in the resilient filling 
     materials in infant and children's products.
       PSR-LA is a 5,000 member strong organization representing 
     physicians and other health professionals dedicated to 
     promoting healthy communities and advocating for social and 
     environmental justice. We have a long history of educating 
     the medical community about the gravest environmental threats 
     to human health, and working to eliminate health inequalities 
     caused by environmental exposures.
       Flame retardants chemicals have been added to the filling 
     materials of children products and furniture to meet the 
     California Standard Technical Bulletin (TB) 117, which has 
     become the de facto national standard for furniture 
     manufacturers. Flame retardant chemicals continuously migrate 
     out of household products and settle into dust, which is 
     inhaled and ingested by people and pets.
       Research shows that exposure to toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals can be associated with increased cancer, 
     neurological deficits, developmental problems and reduced 
     fertility. Although some flame retardants were removed from 
     children's sleepwear in the 1970s, similar flame retardants 
     continue to be used in children products such as nursing 
     pillows, car seats, sleeping wedges, portable crib 
     mattresses, baby carriers, strollers and changing table pads, 
     despite the fact that these products do not pose a fire 
     hazard. Toddlers who crawl in the dust and put their hands in 
     their mouths have the some of the highest levels of toxic 
     flame retardant chemicals in their bodies. This is at an age 
     when their neurological and reproductive organs are still 
     developing and they are highly vulnerable to the toxic 
     effects of the chemicals.
       California is revising its TB 117 because of the strong 
     evidence that flame retardants used to meet the standard have 
     not provided greater protection from fires, and can in fact 
     make fires more dangerous. While this standard revision is a 
     positive change, companies will not be required to abandon 
     the use of flame retardant chemicals. For that reason, the 
     DUST Act is necessary to protect children from toxic 
     chemicals, and we urge its immediate passage.
           Sincerely,
     Ana Mascarenas,
       Policy & Communications Director.
     Martha Dina Arguello,
       Executive Director.
                                  ____
                                  
         Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), Federation of 
           State Pirgs,
                                    Washington, DC, July 26, 2013.
     Hon. Rosa DeLauro,
     Rayburn House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: We write in support of the 
     Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act that will be introduced in 
     the 113th Congress. The DUST Act amends the Consumer Product 
     Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to ban toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals from use in the resilient filling materials in 
     infant and children's products. Accumulation of flame 
     retardant chemicals in humans and animals and adverse health 
     effects in animals have been well documented in a large body 
     of peer reviewed literature. Studies have found associations 
     between high levels and reduced IQ in children, endocrine and 
     thyroid disruption, changes in male hormone levels and 
     reduced fertility, increased time to become pregnant in 
     women, adverse birth outcomes, impaired development, and 
     cancer. Children are especially at risk for exposure to flame 
     retardants in household dust because they crawl on floors and 
     have the tendency to puts hands, toys, and other objects in 
     their mouths. In addition to the potential for adverse health 
     effects from exposure to toxic flame retardants, infants and 
     children to have critical periods of development during which 
     exposure to toxic substances can cause increased 
     susceptibility to disease, which might not become apparent 
     until later in life.\1\ Finally, adding flame retardant 
     chemicals to baby products has not been shown to be effective 
     in saving life or property.
       Manufacturers put flame retardant chemicals into baby 
     products to meet Technical

[[Page E1196]]

     Bulletin 117 (TB 117), a unique California flammability 
     standard for foam in juvenile products and upholstered 
     furniture implemented by the California Bureau of Electronic 
     and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation 
     (the Bureau) that has recently been revised to address 
     concerns about flame retardants in children's products.
       Recent research has detected flame retardants in the 
     majority of baby products tested. A 2011 study identified 
     flame retardants in 80 of 101 baby products from across the 
     U.S. and from Canada.\2\ Another study released in January 
     2012 found flame retardants in 17 of 20 tested baby 
     products.\3\ These tests indicated that chlorinated Tris is 
     the most prevalent flame retardant in children's products in 
     concentrations ranging up to five percent. The most prevalent 
     chemical found is TDCPP, or Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) 
     phosphate, which was removed from children's pajamas in the 
     1970s when it was discovered to be mutagenic. TDCPP was 
     designated as a carcinogen by the State of California under 
     Proposition 65 in October 2011 based on laboratory studies 
     finding increases in kidney, liver, and testicular tumors as 
     well as evidence of mutagenicity. Previously, a Consumer 
     Product Safety Commission (CPSC) assessment designated the 
     chemical as a probable carcinogen. A 2011 study tested the 
     chemical's effects on the development of brain cells and 
     compared its effects to those of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide 
     known to be toxic to the nervous system. By some measures, 
     TDCPP was even more toxic to the cells than chlorpyrifos, 
     with effects on cell development, number, and DNA 
     synthesis.\4\
       Adding flame retardant chemicals to baby products has not 
     been shown to be effective in saving life or property. An 
     analysis of fire data from 1980 to 2005 by the National Fire 
     Protection Association (NFPA)--years when TB 117-compliant 
     furniture containing these chemicals was sold much more in 
     California than in other states--does not show a greater 
     reduction in the rate of fire deaths in California compared 
     to that of other states where the chemicals were used less 
     frequently.
       Fire prevention is the first step in avoiding the 
     unnecessary and excessive use of harmful flame retardant 
     chemicals. Fire-safe cigarettes, sprinklers, and smoke 
     detectors, along with the enforcement of improved building 
     codes, are all proven to be effective in reducing fire-
     related deaths. Good product design can also reduce and 
     eliminate the need for chemical flame retardants by using 
     less flammable materials or by placing a physical barrier 
     between the flammable component and outside materials. 
     Finally, safer alternatives to chlorinated and brominated 
     flame retardants that still meet applicable flammability 
     standards have been identified. The EPA recently acknowledged 
     that there is no evidence to substantiate claims that the use 
     of certain flame retardants has resulted in a reduced 
     incidence of fires.
       Thank you for your leadership in protecting America's 
     consumers and children from toxic flame retardants. We urge 
     the Congress to adopt the DUST Act to protect infants and 
     children from these dangerous chemicals.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Jenny Levin,
                                 U.S. PIRG Public Health Advocate.
       \1\ Growing Up Toxic: Chemical Exposures and Increases in 
     Developmental Disease. Frontier Group, U.S. PIRG Education. 
     2011
       \2\ Hidden Hazards in the Nursery. Washington Toxics 
     Coalition/Safer States. 2012.
       \3\ Identification of Flame Retardants in Polyurethane foam 
     Collected from Baby Products. Heather M. Stapelton, Susan 
     Klosterhaus, Alex Keller, P. Lee Ferguson, Saskia van Bergen, 
     Ellen Cooper, Thomas F. Webster, and Arlene Blum. 
     Environmental Science & Technology.
       \4\ Hidden Hazards in the Nursery. Washington Toxics 
     Coalition/Safer States. 2012.
                                  ____



                                 Women's Voices for the Earth,

                                      Missoula, MT, July 24, 2013.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: We write in support of the 
     Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act that will be introduced in 
     the 113th Congress. The DUST Act amends the Consumer Product 
     Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to ban flame retardants 
     chemicals from use in the resilient filling materials in 
     infant and children's products.
       Flame retardants chemicals have been added to the filling 
     materials of children products and furniture to meet the 
     California Standard Technical Bulletin (TB) 117, which has 
     become the de facto national standard for furniture 
     manufacturers. Flame retardant chemicals continuously migrate 
     out of household products and settle into dust.
       Research shows that exposure to toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals can be associated with increased cancer, 
     neurological deficits, developmental problems and reduced 
     fertility. Although some flame retardants were removed from 
     use in children sleepwear in the 1970s, similar flame 
     retardants continue to be used in children products such as 
     nursing pillows, car seats, sleeping wedges, portable crib 
     mattresses, baby carriers, strollers and changing table pads. 
     Toddlers who crawl in the dust and put their hands in their 
     mouths have the highest levels of toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals in their bodies. This is at an age when their 
     neurological and reproductive organs are still developing and 
     they are the most vulnerable to the toxic effects of the 
     chemicals.
       Based on recent studies and laboratory research, the 
     California standard TB 117 has not been found to 
     significantly improve fire safety or prevent ignitions from 
     small flame sources. Furthermore, such baby products do not 
     pose a fire hazard. According to fire protection groups, 
     flame retardants have not led to improvements in fire safety 
     and pose an unnecessary health hazard.
       We urge the Congress to adopt the DUST Act to protect 
     innocent infants and children from these harmful toxins.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Jamie McConnell,
     Director of Programs and Policy.
                                  ____



                             IKEA North America Services, LLC,

                                                 Conshohocken, PA.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro, We are contacting you as a 
     follow-up on the letter addressed to you that I gave to Ms. 
     Treefa Aziz when I met her in your office on April 26th, 
     2013. Please find the letter enclosed. We are wondering if 
     your office is following the CPSC NPR for the 16 CFR 1634 
     Rulemaking? Please let us know if you have any questions in 
     this regard. IKEA has extensive experience with flammability 
     testing of upholstered furniture, both here in the US and in 
     Europe.
       We also write in support of the Decrease Unsafe Toxins 
     (DUST) Act that will be introduced in the 113th Congress. The 
     DUST Act amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act 
     of 2008 to ban flame retardants chemicals from use in the 
     resilient filling materials in infant and children's 
     products. IKEA actively work to eliminate, replace and reduce 
     environmentally hazardous substances in our products and 
     manufacturing processes. Our focus is to minimize the impact 
     IKEA products have on humans and the environment.
           Sincerely,

                                                 Malin Nasman,

                                            Product Requirements &
     Compliance Specialist.
                                  ____



                            First Focus Campaign for Children,

                                    Washington, DC, July 22, 2013.
     Hon. Rosa DeLauro,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: I am writing on behalf of the 
     First Focus Campaign for Children, a bipartisan advocacy 
     organization committed to making children and their families 
     a priority in federal policy and budget decisions, to express 
     our support for the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act to be 
     introduced in the 113th Congress.
       The First Focus Campaign for Children is a strong advocate 
     for banning flame retardant chemicals from being used in 
     filling materials in children's products. Flame retardant 
     chemicals have been found in over 80 percent of children's 
     cushioned products, such as strollers, changing pads, and 
     high chairs, according to a 2011 study published in 
     Environmental Science and Technology. These chemicals, such 
     as organohalogen and organophosphorous, are toxic and lead to 
     problems like reduced IQ hyperactivity, and birth defects. 
     Other flame retardant chemicals found in children's products 
     have been linked to cancer, immune and endocrine disruption, 
     developmental impairment, and reproductive dysfunction.
       Flame retardant chemicals are known to settle in the dust 
     on the ground, making toddlers at greatest risk of being 
     exposed. Toddlers play on the floor and put their hands in 
     their mouth, ingesting the contaminated dust. Studies have 
     shown that flame retardant chemicals are not necessary and do 
     not significantly improve fire safety, nor do they reduce the 
     risk of ignition from small flame sources.
       The Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act helps to ensure the 
     safety of children and infants by banning the use of flame 
     retardant chemicals in the resilient filling materials in 
     children's products. This Act would deem any children's 
     product with flame retardant chemicals as a ``banned 
     hazardous substance'' under the Federal Hazardous Substances 
     Act if it is manufactured a year after the passage of the 
     Act.
       First Focus Campaign for Children applauds the introduction 
     of the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act and we look forward 
     to working with your office to help ensure that products are 
     safe for children.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bruce Lesley,
     First Focus Campaign for Children.
                                  ____



                                  Environmental Working Group,

                                    Washington, DC, July 29, 2013.
     Hon. Rosa DeLauro,
     Rayburn House Office Building,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro, Environmental Working Group is 
     pleased to support your Decrease Unsafe Toxic Chemicals 
     (DUST) Act. The DUST Act is an important piece of legislation 
     that would amend the Consumer Safety Improvement Act of 2008 
     to ban the use of certain flame-retardants in the padding and 
     foam parts of children's products. The use of these chemicals 
     is unsafe and exposes children to unnecessary health risks.
       Many chemical fire retardants used in children's items can 
     be toxic to human health. Maternal exposure to a type of 
     chemical fire retardant known as polybrominated diphenyl 
     ethers (PBDEs) alters thyroid hormone levels and affect 
     children's neurodevelopment.

[[Page E1197]]

     PBDEs were withdrawn from commerce in the mid-2000s due to 
     toxicity concerns, but replacement chemicals show worrisome 
     signs of toxicity to human health.
       Fire retardant chemicals have been added to products 
     because of a nationally recognized safety standard set by 
     California known as the Furniture Flammability Standard 
     Technical Bulletin (TB117). But as evidence has mounted on 
     the toxicity of PBDEs and replacement chemicals, experts have 
     concluded that children's products do not pose a significant 
     fire hazard, and TB117 is being revised.
       Infants and children are especially vulnerable to chemical 
     exposure, and coupled with the significant amount of time 
     spent crawling and playing on the ground where dust 
     accumulates only increases their direct exposure through 
     inhalation and hand to mouth contact. A 2008 study of PBDE 
     concentrations in American families found that young children 
     had much higher concentrations of these chemicals than their 
     mothers, presumably due to greater contact with fire retarded 
     furniture and contaminated house dust.
       The DUST Act would work to reduce the number of unnecessary 
     health risks posed to young children by banning the use of 
     certain flame-retardants in children's products. It would 
     also treat any product manufactured on or after one year 
     after the enactment of the DUST Act with more than 1,000 
     parts per million of a flame-retardant as a banned hazardous 
     substance.
       The commonsense proposals in the DUST Act will protect 
     public health and our most vulnerable populations. EWG 
     strongly supports the bill and looks forward to working with 
     you to ensure its enactment.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Kenneth A. Cook.
     President.
                                  ____



                                      Children's Defense Fund,

                                                    July 30, 2013.
     Hon. Rosa L. Delauro,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: The Children's Defense Fund 
     applauds your effort to protect infants and young children 
     from harmful chemicals during their critical developmental 
     years. We offer our support of your ``Decrease Unsafe Toxins 
     (DUST) Act'', which will ensure companies do not use toxic 
     flame retardants in the production of cushioned children's 
     products. By classifying products created with such chemicals 
     as ``banned hazardous substances,'' the DUST Act will prevent 
     children from harmful toxins via car seats, nursing pillows, 
     strollers and other items.
       For forty years, the Children's Defense Fund has worked to 
     ensure all children in America get the healthy start they 
     need to survive and thrive. This includes paying attention to 
     environmental health hazards that threaten their health and 
     development. Preventing the exposure of infants and young 
     children to harmful chemicals during their early years is 
     critical to their development. A recent study conducted by 
     the Pediatric Academic Societies demonstrated that prenatal 
     exposure to flame retardant chemicals is associated with 
     hyperactivity and lower intelligence in early childhood. Yet 
     toddlers have been proven to have the highest levels of flame 
     retardant chemicals in their systems--higher even than 
     adults. The developmental consequences of this continue after 
     exposure; the largest cognitive deficits were observed in 
     children over age five.
       By reducing the amount of toxins young children are exposed 
     to during their critical early years and preventing 
     developmental delays, your bill strengthens the foundation 
     necessary for children to succeed later in life. We commend 
     you for encouraging congressional action to allow all infants 
     and young children a healthy start in life and so appreciate 
     your ongoing leadership on behalf of children and families.
           Sincerely yours,
     Marian Wright Edelman.
                                  ____



                                      Clean Production Action,

                                                    July 26, 2013.
     Re Support the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act
     Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
     Rayburn House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.

       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: We write in support of the 
     Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act that will be introduced in 
     the 113th Congress. The DUST Act amends the Consumer Product 
     Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to ban flame retardants 
     chemicals from use in the resilient filling materials in 
     infant and children's products.
       Flame retardants chemicals have been added to the filling 
     materials of children products and furniture to meet the 
     California Standard Technical Bulletin (TB) 117, which has 
     become the de facto national standard for furniture 
     manufacturers. Flame retardant chemicals continuously migrate 
     out of household products and settle into dust, which is 
     inhaled and ingested by people and pets.
       Research shows that exposure to toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals can be associated with increased cancer, 
     neurological deficits, developmental problems and reduced 
     fertility. Although some flame retardants were removed from 
     children's sleepwear in the 1970s, similar flame retardants 
     continue to be used in children products such as nursing 
     pillows, car seats, sleeping wedges, portable crib 
     mattresses, baby carriers, strollers and changing table pads, 
     despite the fact that these products do not pose a fire 
     hazard. Toddlers who crawl in the dust and put their hands in 
     their mouths have the some of the highest levels of toxic 
     flame retardant chemicals in their bodies. This is at an age 
     when their neurological and reproductive organs are still 
     developing and they are highly vulnerable to the toxic 
     effects of the chemicals.
       California is revising its TB 117 because of the strong 
     evidence that flame retardants used to meet the standard have 
     not provided greater protection from fires, and can in fact 
     make fires more dangerous. While this standard revision is a 
     positive change, companies will not be required to abandon 
     the use of flame retardant chemicals. For that reason, the 
     DUST Act is necessary to protect children from toxic 
     chemicals, and we urge its immediate passage.
           Sincerely,
     Beverley Thorpe.
                                  ____



                            Alaska Community Action on Toxics,

                                     Anchorage, AK, July 29, 2013.
     Re Support the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act

     Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro,
     Rayburn House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congresswoman DeLauro: We write today on behalf of the 
     members of Alaska Community Action on Toxics (``ACAT'') in 
     support of the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act that will be 
     introduced in the 113th Congress. The DUST Act amends the 
     Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to ban flame 
     retardants chemicals from use in the resilient filling 
     materials in infant and children's products. ACAT is a 
     statewide non-profit public interest environmental health 
     research and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting 
     environmental health and achieving environmental justice. Our 
     mission is to assure justice by advocating for environmental 
     and community health. We believe that everyone has a right to 
     clean air, clean water and toxic-free food. We work to stop 
     the production, proliferation, and release of toxic chemicals 
     that may harm human health or the environment.
       Flame retardants chemicals have been added to the filling 
     materials of children products and furniture to meet the 
     California Standard Technical Bulletin (TB) 117, which has 
     become the de facto national standard for furniture 
     manufacturers. Flame retardant chemicals continuously migrate 
     out of household products and settle into dust, which is 
     inhaled and ingested by people and pets.
       Research shows that exposure to toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals can be associated with increased cancer, 
     neurological deficits, developmental problems and reduced 
     fertility. Although some flame retardants were removed from 
     children's sleepwear in the 1970s, similar flame retardants 
     continue to be used in children products such as nursing 
     pillows, car seats, sleeping wedges, portable crib 
     mattresses, baby carriers, strollers and changing table pads, 
     despite the fact that these products do not pose a fire 
     hazard. Many times, the chemicals used to treat the foam in 
     children products are not identified on the product labels or 
     elsewhere. Toddlers who crawl in the dust and put their hands 
     in their mouths have some of the highest levels of toxic 
     flame retardant chemicals in their bodies. This is at an age 
     when their neurological and reproductive organs are still 
     developing and they are highly vulnerable to the toxic 
     effects of these chemicals.
       California is revising its TB 117 because of the strong 
     evidence that flame retardants used to meet the standard have 
     not provided greater protection from fires, and can in fact 
     make fires more dangerous. While this standard revision is a 
     positive change, companies will not be required to abandon 
     the use of flame retardant chemicals.
       Alaska Community Action on Toxics has been a leader in the 
     campaign for effective fire safety without harmful flame 
     retardant chemicals, through education, advocacy, supporting 
     legislative measures in Alaska and working to reform national 
     and international chemicals policy. For these reasons, we 
     believe the DUST Act is necessary to protect children from 
     toxic chemicals, and we urge its immediate passage.
           Sincerely,
     Pamela Miller,
       Executive Director.
     Maricarmen Cruz-Guilloty,
       Environmental Health and Justice Coordinator.
                                  ____

         Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and 
           Families,
                                                   Washington, DC.
     Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro,
     Rayburn House Office Building
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Rosa: On behalf of ZERO TO THREE (ZTT): National 
     Center on Infants, Toddlers, and Families, I am writing to 
     express our support of the Decrease Unsafe Toxins (DUST) Act 
     that will be introduced in the 113th Congress. The DUST Act 
     amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to 
     ban flame retardants chemicals from use in the resilient 
     filling materials in infant

[[Page E1198]]

     and children's products (e.g. high chairs, car seats, 
     changing pads and others).
       ZERO TO THREE's mission is to ensure that all babies and 
     toddlers have a strong start in life. For over thirty years, 
     we have focused on translating the science of early brain 
     development for parents, practitioners, and policymakers. We 
     take an interdisciplinary approach and seek to underscore the 
     fact that domains of development in very young children are 
     inextricably related. We believe that ``good health,'' as 
     defined and included in our policy framework and priorities, 
     is crucial for children to be able to develop, learn, and be 
     ready for school. A baby's good health begins with her 
     caregiver's ability to make sound choices about child rearing 
     practices and use of baby products that can positively or 
     negatively impact their child's development. In order to make 
     these choices, caregivers need guidance resulting from 
     evidence-based information about exposure to environmental 
     and synthetic toxins.
       This farsighted legislation will help prevent developmental 
     delays in children that may be stemming from or linked to 
     flame retardants. Research is showing that flame retardants 
     chemicals are toxic to all human beings. However, the removal 
     of such toxins is especially critical for pregnant mothers as 
     well as infants and toddlers because they are more vulnerable 
     to the effects of toxin exposure because of their rapid rate 
     of growth. These stages are marked by rapid cell division and 
     differentiation, organ formation, and brain development. This 
     growth rate renders the systems particularly vulnerable to 
     disruption. In fact, studies show that flame retardants have 
     been correlated with negative effects to motor performance 
     (coordination, fine motor skills), cognition (intelligence, 
     visual perception, visual-motor integration, inhibitory 
     control, verbal memory, and attention), and behavior (e.g. 
     hyperactivity). Moreover, prenatal exposure to such toxins 
     can result in miscarriage, birth defects, low birth weight, 
     and preterm birth. In the longer-term, such exposure poses 
     increased risk for development of childhood cancer, 
     widespread disorders like asthma and obesity, infertility, 
     and other child- and adult-onset diseases.
       Flame retardants chemicals are added to the filling 
     materials of children products and furniture to meet the 
     California Standard Technical Bulletin (TB) 117. While 
     California is the only state following TB 117, it has become 
     the de facto national standard. Many national furniture 
     manufacturers use this standard for all their furniture 
     across the U.S. to avoid double inventory. Flame retardant 
     chemicals continuously migrate out of household products and 
     settle into dust.
       Research shows that exposure to toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals can me associated with increased cancer, 
     neurological deficits, developmental problems and reduced 
     fertility. Although some flame retardants were removed from 
     use in children sleepwear in the 1970s, similar flame 
     retardants continue to be used in children products such as 
     nursing pillows, car seats, sleeping wedges, portable crib 
     mattresses, baby carriers, strollers and changing table pads. 
     Toddlers who crawl in the dust and put their hands in their 
     mouths have the highest levels of toxic flame retardant 
     chemicals in their bodies. This is at an age when their 
     neurological and reproductive organs are still developing and 
     they are the most vulnerable to the toxic effects of the 
     chemicals.
       Based on recent studies and laboratory research, the 
     California standard TB 117 has not been found to 
     significantly improve fire safety or prevent ignitions from 
     small flame sources. Furthermore, such baby products do not 
     pose a fire hazard. According to fire protection groups, 
     flame retardants have not led to improvements in fire safety 
     and pose an unnecessary health hazard.
       We urge the Congress to adopt the DUST Act to protect 
     innocent infants and children from these harmful toxins. The 
     DUST Act translates the compelling research into preventive 
     policy and legislation that helps promote positive, healthy 
     development that will resonate throughout a child's school 
     career and life, increasing their individual well-being and 
     future contributions to society.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Matthew Melmed,
     Executive Director.

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