In "A Christmas Carol," written by Charles Dickens in 1843, the penurious Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by The Ghost of Christmas Present and warned that young Tiny Tim would die unless he received medical treatment his father _ employed by Scrooge _ could not afford.
Fortunately, the old miser sees the error of his ways, and Tiny Tim is saved.
Now, we don't want to scare the _ ah _ dickens out of anyone this holiday season, but on Tuesday a report was released by "Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families" called "Poison in Paint, Toxins in Toys." It said that more than 650 household products contain one of two toxic chemicals, including BPA in 280 plastic toys.
The organization describes itself as a coalition that includes parents, health professionals, advocates for people with learning and developmental disabilities, reproductive health advocates, environmentalists and businesses.
BPA (Bisphenol A) is a commonly produced chemical used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Scientists have expressed some concern about BPA's effects on the brain, behavior and prostate glands in fetuses, infants and children.
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand noted Tuesday in a media release that only a fraction of the chemicals commonly found in children's toys are tested by the Environmental Protection Agency.
She said BPA is found in hard plastic toys, such as action figures, electronics, and Playmobil toysets, and flame retardants found in children's pajamas and bedding.
"I was shocked to learn that there is absolutely no government testing required for the chemicals in the products my kids use every day," said Gillibrand, who has two young sons.
"It's outrageous that everything from toothbrushes to my son's dishware could be leaching hormone-disrupting or cancer-causing chemicals. We need to do better."
Gillibrand said she is proposing legislation that will give the EPA greater authority to regulate chemicals.
As it stands now, the only ones responsible for testing chemicals for threats to health and the environment are the manufacturers. The EPA can only get involved is if can conclusively demonstrate that a chemical presents an "unreasonable risk," and EPA regulations must not create "unnecessary economic barriers to technological innovation."
Meanwhile, manufacturers are allowed to hide a good deal of what's in their products.
Gillibrand is co-sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act, legislation introduced by fellow Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, which would require chemical companies to demonstrate the safety of industrial chemicals and the EPA to evaluate them.
The legislation would seem to be a very good idea. For the time being, it would behoove parents to keep a close eye on what's in the toys under the tree this Christmas.
Opinion
Danger may lurk under the tree
- Opinion
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In Memoriam
This message appears each Memorial Day weekend in The Daily Star.
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Letters to the Editor: May 26, 2012
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Letters to the Editor: May 25, 2012
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Facebook’s fizzle was no surprise
Facebook’s IPO last week was supposed to be a moment of triumph for the social network, but the event quickly devolved into an ugly tale of duplicity, hubris and greed, as the stock lost 18 percent of its value in the first two days of trading.
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Letters to the Editor: May 24, 2012
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Heegan must show vision for Chamber
In selecting Barbara Ann Heegan as its executive director last week, the Otsego County Chamber would seem to have chosen a safe rather than a bold path for its immediate future.
- Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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Letters to the Editor: May 23, 2012
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Can't have a third party without a candidate
What if they gave a party ... and nobody came?
- Tuesday, May 22, 2012
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Cheers
To Bike to Work Day, Cooperstown Quiz Team, Arts Field Day, the SUNY Delhi Centennial.
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Letters to the Editor: May 22, 2012
- Monday, May 21, 2012
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Letters to the Editor: May 21, 2012
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The world does move
To look at a newspaper from 1912, 1937, 1962 or 1987, it can seem as though positively everything has changed.
- Saturday, May 19, 2012
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Letters to the Editor: May 19, 2012
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Graduates, take acquired skills, set sail on job voyage
This weekend, many colleges and universities -- including SUNY Delhi and SUNY Oneonta -- will bestow degrees of various levels and types upon their students.
- Friday, May 18, 2012
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Letters to the Editor: May 18, 2012
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'Whale' failure shows how little has changed
One positive development resulting from JPMorgan's recent $2 billion trading blunder is increased scrutiny of the regulations put in place since 2008 to prevent a repeat of that year's financial collapse.
- Thursday, May 17, 2012
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Taxes spoke louder than sentiment in voting
It has become a virtually immutable fact of modern-day industry and politics. Given the choice between financial interest and sentiment, money always wins.
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Letters to the Editor: May 17, 2012
- Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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Letters to the Editor: May 16, 2012
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Gas companies need to play nice with residents
"You need to assure me that you are going to talk to the towns." This was Rep. Chris Gibson's plea to the gas companies that are seeking to lay natural gas pipelines through the local area.
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In Memoriam
