ALERT UPDATE: EPA PROPOSED RULE ALLOWS CHEMICAL AND PESTICIDE TESTING ON KIDS

[Guest guest]

*ALERT UPDATE: EPA PROPOSED RULE ALLOWS CHEMICAL AND PESTICIDE TESTING ON

KIDS *

Thanks to everyone who responded to the OCA Alert in the last issue of

Organic Bytes. So far, the EPA has been deluged with over 20,000 comments

from OCA supporters demanding changes in the EPA's controversial proposed

rule on human chemical testing, which contains loopholes that would allow

the testing of chemicals and pesticides on children. EPA's proposal flies in

the face of massive public opposition and directives from Congress and the

National Academy of Sciences to stop industry from carrying out unethical

studies on children. In the wake of this strong citizen backlash, the EPA is

frantically trying to discredit the OCA and other organizations working on

this issue (such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for

Health and Environmental Justice, and Public Employees for Environmental

Responsibility, etc.) by flat out denying that the proposed rule contains

exceptions for testing toxics on children. Unfortunately for the EPA PR

greenwashing efforts, the actual proposed rule is still posted on the EPA

website<http://www.nacua.org/documents/ProtectionsSubjectsHumanResearch.pdf>,

where the public can look beyond the agency's rhetoric and read the rule

themselves. We invite you to read these sections of the proposed

regulations, which allow chemical or pesticide testing on children under the

following circumstances:

 

1. Children who " cannot be reasonably consulted, " such as those that

are mentally handicapped or orphaned newborns may be tested on. With

permission from the institution or guardian in charge of the individual, the

child may be exposed to chemicals for the sake of research.

2. Parental consent forms are not necessary for testing on children

who have been neglected or abused.

3. Chemical studies on any children outside of the U.S. are

acceptable.

 

If you haven't already done so please learn more and send an instant letter

to the EPA here (public comment period expires Dec.12)

http://www.organicconsumers.org/epa6.cfm

 

 

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bytes/113005.cfm

 

 

 

Thank you everyone who took the time to sign this!

 

Donna