Keeping children from chemicals

Protecting children from potentially toxic chemicals in products they use is the intent of a bill sponsored by Rep. Kate Knuth (DFL-New Brighton).

The Toxic Free Kids Act would not place an outright ban on the use of chemicals designated as “high concern” in children’s products, but would authorize the Pollution Control Agency to publish a list of these chemicals, if found, and require replacement with a safer alternative, if one is available.

The scope of regulation included in HF250 came into question when the bill was heard Feb. 3 by the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee.

“Who is going to be doing the monitoring?” asked Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud).

Knuth stressed the bill asks for no new assessments of chemicals, but only study and evaluation of existing data of about five chemicals.

A mother of two, Heidi Niziolek told committee members of her frustration in locating healthy products for her children and information about toxins that could be harmful to them.

“I cannot tell you how many times we brought something home and found out that it contained something harmful. And we subsequently threw them away or disposed of them properly — probably thousands of dollars worth of things, pacifiers, toys, even furniture.”

She said that parents should not have to worry about the safety of products designed for children’s use. “As consumers, the cost of the item should contain the cost that ensures their safety.”

The bill was approved and referred to the House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee, where it is scheduled to be heard Feb. 10. Knuth said that would be the second of several expected committee stops.

A companion, SF225, sponsored by Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Park), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.