No one today can avoid synthetic chemicals, but there are
steps that people can take – in their homes and their communities
– to lessen their exposures to the most hazardous compounds.
The first step is knowledge. "Right-to-Know" laws have made it possible
for citizens to identify specific companies that release the most
toxic chemicals identified by the EPA, although efforts to discover
what products may contain these chemicals have been largely thwarted.
The system is far from perfect. Only about 600 chemicals must be
reported on EPA's Toxic Release Inventory, out of an estimated
75,000 chemicals registered. Information about potentially harmful
chemicals in consumer goods is even sketchier. Labels do not always
list every ingredient. (Companies often claim trade-secrecy exemptions
on exact formulations.) But available sources do make educated choices
possible – and also help citizens to ask the right questions of the
government and the chemical industry.
The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
Act (EPCRA) has evolved into one of the most powerful tools
for citizens trying to protect themselves from toxic substances.
This guide shows you where to look for information on toxic
releases, contaminants in drinking water, potential health
effects of specific chemicals and more. |
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Many of the chemicals we are exposed to every day are found
in our own homes. Synthetic chemicals can be found in nail
polish, on orange peels or in ice cream. They may concentrate
in carpet dust or on plush baby toys. Find out where they
may be in your home, and what you can do about it. |
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Pesticides
like DDT were once advertised as miracle chemicals that would
eradicate crop pests and mosquitoes. |
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