The legislative session is under way, and while the state budget deficit is in the spotlight, many elected officials are working to enact positive policy change for Minnesotans. One such legislator is Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon, representative of Duluth's District 7. The senator is co-author of SF225, the "Toxic Free Kids Act," which has been introduced on the Senate floor. The bill would ensure all children's products are free of toxic chemicals before ending up on store shelves.
Currently, the U.S. has no system to ensure that chemicals in children's products are safe or even tested before being used. Chemicals such as Bisphenol A, or BPA, a hormone disrupter, are harmful to children even in small doses and can cause lifelong health problems, including cancer and diabetes. BPA is commonly found in baby bottles, sippy cups and infant formula. The Toxic Free Kids Act would allow the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to review the safety of chemicals in children's products before they end up in children's bodies.
Now is the time for action. Minnesota is in position to be a leader and national role model by passing this legislation. The Minnesota Public Interest Research Group, a member of the Healthy Legacy Coalition, is working to pass this legislation.
Minnesota parents have the right to be confident about the choices they make when purchasing products for their families. They should not be left wondering whether they are placing their babies in harm's way when they buy toys, bottles and child care products.
By supporting and championing this bill at the Legislature this session, Sen. Prettner-Solon is fighting for the health of one of the most vulnerable segments of the population: children.
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Rebecca Covington
Duluth
The writer is a member of the Healthy Legacy Coalition.
Sam Norman
Duluth
The writer is an Environmental Task Force Leader for the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group
