Our progress fighting toxic chemicals

EDF has long advocated for an overhaul of the 35-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

TSCA's outdated standards have allowed the majority of the 80,000 chemicals available for use in the U.S. to stay on the market even though they have never been tested for their health effects. They also allow chemicals known to be dangerous to continue to be used. Follow our blog for updates on the bill.

Change appears on the horizon: In May 2012, the Chicago Tribune exposed the dirty little secrets of the flame retardant industry, which uses chemicals known as PBDEs in common things like furniture and electronics. This raised much-needed awareness.

And, in late July 2012, the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee voted to allow the Safe Chemicals Acta sorely needed update to TSCA to go to a full Senate vote.