August 9, 2011

Families concerned about harmful chemicals in everyday products are taking their concerns to the streets. Parents and children across the country are taking part in a stroller brigade tomorrow, asking lawmakers to support action on toxic chemicals. The Safe Chemicals Stroller Brigade is sponsored by the group Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families.

Events in cities across America on Wednesday will feature writing letters to lawmakers and walking in a stroller brigade to hand deliver the letters to your local Senator’s office. Most events will provide red superhero capes for the children to wear, asking their Senator to be a hero and co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 would overhaul the 35 year old Toxic Substances Control Act. Supporters say the proposed legislation is a response to the warnings of medical and scientific experts who say the current law fails to protect the public from chemicals that have been linked to serious health problems including cancers, learning disabilities and infertility. The act would require the Environmental Protection Agency to identify and restrict the worst chemicals that persist and build up in the food chain. It would also require basic health and safety information for all chemicals as a condition of staying on the market.

Cities with organized stroller brigade events include Hartford, Connecticut; Wilmington, Delaware; Lexington, Kentucky; Portland, Maine; Baltimore, Maryland and New York City.