Photo Courtesy of Drugrehab.us
“We must use every tool at our disposal to combat this nation’s opioid epidemic and the underlying issues that lead people to commit crime, and this legislation makes available additional funding to help New Yorkers in need,” Gov. Cuomo said.
By Forum Staff
Despite new warnings, store shelves are still being stocked with school supplies, including crayons, markers, and binders, that could be laden with dangerous levels of toxic chemicals that can make children sick, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday.
Schumer called for immediate action from federal authorities. Earlier this month, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group released a safe shopping guide for back-to-school supplies that warns consumers about some products that may be on store shelves or already in their homes.
The USPIRG noted that out of the dozens of products that it tested, most did not contain toxic chemicals. However, the organization’s tests and investigation found the following:
• Asbestos in Playskool crayons sold at Dollar Tree. Asbestos, which can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, has recently been found in other children’s products, such as makeup.
• Lead in recently-recalled children’s water bottles (Base Brands children’s Reduce Hydro Pro Furry Friends water bottle, once sold by Costco, and GSI Outdoors children’s water bottle, once sold by L.L. Bean). The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled both of these items because they contained high levels of lead. Lead can cause severe developmental and behavioral problems.
• Phthalates in Jot brand blue 3-ring binder. The levels of phthalates in the binder is considered unsafe for children by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. High levels of phthalates can lead to birth defects, hyperactivity, and reproductive problems.
• Benzene in Board Dudes brand markers. Benzene is a known carcinogen linked to leukemia, and disruptions in sexual reproduction and liver, kidney and immune system function.
“Based on our testing, we know that most manufacturers make safe school supplies. We’re calling on the makers of unsafe products to get rid of toxic chemicals and protect American schoolchildren,” said Kara Cook-Schultz, USPIRG Education Fund Toxics director.
Schumer on Sunday noted that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is the federal agency responsible for investigating whether consumer products pose a risk to the American public, and called on the CPSC to immediately investigate the products mentioned in the various reports, promptly disseminate their findings to the public, and if necessary, immediately recall those items in order to keep our kids from getting sick.
In a letter to CPSC Acting Chairwoman Ann-Marie Buerkle, Schumer urged the agency to act swiftly.
“With back-to-school season already in full swing, millions of parents are stocking up on school supplies in order to prepare their children for the upcoming school year. In order to complete this process in a manner that ensures parents can make informed decisions, it is critical that they be armed with information that enables safe purchasing choices,” Schumer wrote. “As you know, asbestos exposure has been shown to be extremely toxic, sometimes resulting in lung cancer or mesothelioma. Similarly, phthalates, a popular chemical in the plastics industry, have been linked to developmental and reproductive issues. Lastly, the dangers of brain injury as a result of lead have been clearly documented. With this in mind, it is clear that the results of an investigation could be key to keeping students safe. Parents should never have to worry about which brand of school supplies may put their child in harm’s way.”
