Legislation

The Vermont Legislature has taken important steps to address children’s exposure to environmental toxins. In 2008 bills were passed:

• strengthen the state’s lead in housing law
• regulate lead and phthalates in children’s products
• require manufacturers of mercury-containing thermostats to share in the cost and responsibility of recycling their products

In the 2009 session, several new bills were introduced to further reduce exposure to toxins in schools and at home by implementing targeted bans of certain chemicals:

• H.389 would require public schools to use non-toxic and environmentally-friendly cleaning products when possible.
• Both S.76 and H.373 propose to ban bisphenol A (or BPA) in plastic children’s products. BPA disrupts hormones and may increase the likelihood of certain types of cancer.
• S.109 was passed as part of a larger health care bill in the House (H.444). The bill bans toxic flame retardants in mattresses, upholstered furniture, TVs, and computers, and requires the use of safer and equally effective alternatives.