EDF Statement on the Meeting between the Wynne and Hartley Families and EPA Administrator Pruitt

NEWS RELEASE

“These two families came to Washington to tell their stories to Mr. Pruitt and members of Congress. Each family has suffered a tragic loss because a chemical that should be banned remains on the market. 

“Methylene chloride, an ingredient in paint strippers, has taken the lives of scores of Americans. Despite strong scientific evidence that these products should be taken off the market, Administrator Pruitt shelved a proposed ban and put its consideration on a slow track. The families met with Mr. Pruitt to plead with him to act before more Americans are hurt by a deadly chemical still legally sold every day in home improvement stores. 

“Mr. Pruitt has the authority to immediately ban the chemical in paint strippers. After years of extensive scientific review, a proposed ban was moving forward when he took office, yet he continues to insist on delay — exposing more Americans to this dangerous chemical every day. It is long past time to do the right thing and take this deadly product off the shelves.”

— Sarah Vogel, Vice President, Health, Environmental Defense Fund

Quote from the Wendy Hartley:

“While we were pleased that Mr. Pruitt met with us, we are deeply disappointed that he has chosen not to take immediate action. We are not political people. Our only interest is to prevent this terrible and preventable tragedy from happening to others. There is no excuse for inaction. Lives are on the line. I pray no more parents are forced to go through what we have.”

Quote from Cindy Wynne:

“We appreciate that Administrator Pruitt took time to meet with us, but his words of consolation and explanation are — sadly — not nearly enough. With every delay, thousands more Americans buy and use paint strippers containing methylene chloride — risking death each time. We are here to ask for action, in the name of our sons and of all the families who may someday find themselves making the same plea.”