Senators Burr and Hagan Are Waiting to Hear from You
Make Your Call to Support the Safe Chemicals Act

Earlier this summer, six moms (and one child!) from North Carolina met with Senators Burr and Hagan in Washington DC. Their message? We're tired of toxic chemicals, and it's time for Washington to do something about it. The momentum from that event led to an historic vote on July 25, and the Safe Chemicals Act was passed by the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee! Many of you called, emailed and wrote letters to the Senators with the same message, and what we learned is: They hear us loud and clear! Senator Hagan said she supports our efforts and will stand with us. Senator Burr's staff made it clear that the Senator is listening to what we have to say, is asking good questions, and he's considering the issue carefully. Want to know what else they told us? Don't stop now! Help keep the momentum going and let your voice be heard. If you haven't already called Senators Hagan and Burr in support of the Safe Chemicals Act, make your call now.  Gridlock is the norm in Washington DC. But if anything can cut through partisan politics and gridlock, it's relentless pressure from real people like us. Help keep the momentum going and let your voice be heard. Now is the time to show your support for federal toxics reform. Last year the chemicals industry spent $52 million dollars lobbying Congress to block protections for your family, and the spending spree will only continue as Congress gets closer to acting on meaningful chemical reform.  Corporate lobbyists may have deep pockets, but we have something much more important – the health of our families and our nation to protect.  Make your call to Senator Burr or Hagan in support of federal toxics reform now.  Here's to a safer, healthier future for us and our families! Fawn P.S. Want to do more to spread the word? Host a film screening or toxics action party at your church, home or community group - we would love to help you organize one. Just reply to this email and we'll start planning today!

Senators Burr and Hagan met with us in May to talk about the Safe Chemicals Act. They're waiting to hear from you next. Make your call in support of toxics reform. Check out some of the great coverage from the Stroller Brigade in DC: >> Pressure grows for limits on flame retardants (Chicago Tribune) >> Stroller Brigade vs. Toxic Chemicals (CNN) >> National Stroller Brigade Descends on U.S. Capitol (EcoWatch.org) >> Moms Will Lead the Way to Protect Our Kids From Toxic Chemicals (Huffington Post)

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Take Action: Ask your Senators to Co-Sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act

Tell Senators Hagan and Burr that North Carolina is sick of the toxic chemicals in products that are polluting our bodies and harming our health. We deserve a toxics law that protects our health, supports a greener chemical industry and creates new research and development jobs.

It only takes a few minutes. Call Senators Hagan and Burr and urge them to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

Contact Information:

Senator Kay Hagan (202) 224-6342	Senator Richard Burr (202) 224-3154

To help with your call, here are some sample talking points to use:

• State your name and where you live (city and state).
• Ask the Senator to support the Safe Chemicals Act.
• Say briefly why you are concerned about toxic chemicals.
• Don't forget to say thank you!

Want to do more? Spread the word by sharing this message:

Not in North Carolina? Look up your Senator's contact information.

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Thank you for taking action! Please contact us at info@toxicfreenc.org or 919-833-1123 if you have any questions.

Background on the Safer Chemicals Act

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced a groundbreaking bill to overhaul U.S. chemicals policy. The "Safe Chemicals Act" is intended to overhaul the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which has failed to regulate chemicals in consumer products – even those that have known links to cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, reproductive disorders, and other serious health problems.

The legislation would significantly strengthen public health protections from toxic chemicals. For the first time, the chemical industry would be required to demonstrate that chemicals are safe, rather than the EPA having to prove they are unsafe.

Even chemicals that we know to be harmful – such as lead and BPA – are almost impossible for EPA to restrict in consumer products under our flimsy federal toxics law. Because the current law is so weak, we all are exposed to dozens of potentially hazardous chemicals every day.

In a major shift, the legislation would require chemical manufacturers to provide basic health and safety information for all chemicals as a condition for them remaining on or entering the market and to make that information public.

Other elements of the legislation would require:

• Chemicals to meet a health standard to enter or remain on the market.
• EPA to identify and restrict the most toxic chemicals that build up in our food chain and in our bodies, such as brominated flame retardants.
• Populations most vulnerable to toxic chemicals, including pregnant women, infants and children, and those living in environmental 'hot spots', to have extra protections from toxic chemicals.
• EPA to rely on the National Academy of Sciences’ recommendations to incorporate the best and latest science when determining the safety of chemicals.

The bill follows similar bills introduced in the House and Senate in 2010. Toxic Free NC and our allies around the state are asking Senators Hagan and Burr to join this effort as co-sponsors of the Safe Chemicals Act.

>> Take Action to ask Senators Hagan and Burr to co-sponsor the Safe Chemical Act today!