April 20, 2015
The State of Massachusetts has introduced House Bill 697 which amends the General Laws by adding Sections 24-28 to Chapter 21 A and establishes that the Administrative Council of the Toxics Use Reduction Act shall publish and make available to the public a list of toxic chemicals in children’s consumer products via the Department of Environmental Protection website.
The Toxic Chemicals List shall include, at a minimum, the Washington State list of Chemicals of Concern and the State of Maine List of Chemicals of High Concern, excluding mercury. Other criteria to be included:
- Chemicals recognized as carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins;
- Chemicals recognized as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic chemicals; and
- Chemicals recognized as endocrine disruptors; and other chemicals of equivalent concern as determined by the institute in consultation with the science advisory board.
- If the bill is passed, regulations pertaining to the enforcement of this act shall be issued no later than July 31, 2016.