I'm alarmed by E.P.A. Administrator Scott Pruitt's decision to kick the can down the road on toxic chemicals. On December 19, news broke that his agency has indefinitely postponed bans on certain uses of three dangerous chemicals: methylene chloride, N-Methylpyrrolidone, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are linked to cancer, developmental toxicity, and other health problems. You can find some of them on the shelves of your local hardware store.
Protecting American consumers and workers from dangerous chemicals is at the heart of E.P.A.'s mission. And action on these toxic chemicals is long overdue. Their health risks are serious and well documented. In fact, a 21-year-old in Tennessee died recently after stripping a bathtub with a product containing methylene chloride.
Delaying these rules will needlessly expose two million workers and consumers to these hazardous chemicals. Yet Administrator Pruitt and his team have prioritized the chemical lobby ahead of our health.
Workers and families need more, not less, protection from toxic chemicals. EPA should end this dangerous delay.
This is horrid as the tax scam itself as I myself already suffer from chemical sensitivity. It showed up after working in a computer factory. Chemicals are dangerous and they can cause so many problems with your lungs among other body organs. Sad to see this White House is taking us back into the dark ages through their E.P.A. Like their tax scam, it's so harmful to our citizens. It's unforgivable.
Charlotte Feck
Plummer, Idaho
Readers react to our story about Harald Balazs' legacy and life work (1/4/18):
Erika Deasy: Wonderful piece on such a dynamic artist. One of the most interesting people I've been honored to have met and to admire. Thank you for this.
Jessa Lewis: I'm one of the high school art students he mentored. He really changed how I saw the world and creativity. Transcend, indeed.
Chris Rapier: Harold was a Spokane art rock star. He will be missed. ♦
