April 4, 2008

I would like to thank local state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson for supporting S-2481, An Act Providing for Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals, also known as the Safer Alternatives Bill, which recently passed the state Senate. If signed into law, this bill would create a program to replace toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury with safer alternatives wherever feasible. It also would provide support to businesses to help them transition to safer alternatives.

We have all seen the recent recalls of toys and other children’s items that contain toxic chemicals. My own family has thrown out many of our child’s belongings that were recalled for containing high levels of lead. While recalls are important, it is far better to keep the toxins out of consumer products in the first place. The Safer Alternatives Bill will create these proactive standards.

Now that the bill has moved on to the House of Representatives, we urge local Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez to give this bill his full support. Already, over 75 other representatives are cosponsoring this bill.

Alicia Powell, MD
Jamaica Plain