Last Tuesday, the Obama administration asked Congress to draft a tougher law for regulating toxic chemicals in consumer products.

The current law does not require chemical manufacturers to develop new data on toxicity and exposure, which has led to products being put on the market that contain chemicals that have not been adequately screened for safety.

The EPA will begin by analyzing and regulating six high-profile chemicals:
* bisphenol A (BPA) - found in hard, clear polycarbonate bottles
* phthalates - used in vinyl and cosmetics
* brominated flame retardants - added to electronics and other goods
* perfluorinated compounds - used in manufacturing non-stick coatings and food packaging
* parafins - used in lubricants
* benzidine dyes and pigments.

Here are a few links to the details:

Associate Press: Obama administration calls for chemical-law reform

San Francisco Chronicle: EPA wants more oversight on chemicals

Environmental Health News: EPA unveils plan to review 6 controversial chemicals, reform US toxics policy

And a link that describes the proposed changes:

EPA: Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation

And here's a link to the speech given to announce the program: EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, Remarks to the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco

Debra :-)