Memorandum of Support
Child Safe Products Act
S.4614 (Boyle) / A.6328 (Sweeney)
An act to amend the environmental conservation law,
in relation to regulation of toxic chemicals in children's products
This legislation will require the Department of Environmental Conservation to publish a list of chemicals
of concern. From this list, nine priority chemicals are identified which include heavy metals, such as lead
and mercury, and other chemicals linked with cancer and neurological harm will be, such as PCBs and
BPA. Manufacturers will be required to disclose the use of these chemicals in children’s products. This
proactive approach will help parents identify the products that are safe for enjoyment and protect
children from unnecessary environmental risk that may have long-term impacts on their health and
development.
Children are especially vulnerable to toxics, and the incidence of childhood cancer, learning disability
and other neurological impairments such as autism continue to rise at an alarming rate. It is essential
that government take immediate measures to ensure the public health by initiating a process to protect
children from the worst of these chemical hazards. Of the more than 80,000 chemicals in commerce,
about 3,000 chemicals are produced in quantities greater than one million pounds. Yet no governmental
authority is empowered to effectively evaluate the safety of these chemicals and if necessary, take
action to protect the public from harmful chemicals in everyday consumer products.
It is estimated that three percent of all neurobehavioral disorders in children, including autism spectrum
disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, have been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals in
the environment. According to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) 25 percent of these disorders
are caused by interactions between environmental factors and genetics. Science shows us that exposure
to toxic chemicals found in everyday products can cause cancer, asthma and lasting neurological
damage and developmental disabilities.
The NYS Council for Community Behavioral Health Care urges the legislature to pass
the Child Safe Products Act to protect our children.
The NYS Council is a statewide non-profit membership association representing the interests of 100
behavioral health (mental health and substance use) prevention, treatment and recovery organizations
across New York. Our members include free standing community-based agencies, general hospitals, and
counties that operate direct services.
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