Report: U.S. Companies Have Kept Over 17,000 Toxic Chemicals Secret to Protect Profits

Household Chemicals

Recent news from The Washington Post sheds light on a story that reveals yet another shocking example of how we, as a collective, continually sacrifice human health for profit gain. The Post states that 17,000 potentially toxic chemicals have been kept under wraps due to an obscure law that protects chemical companies [1].

The Loophole in the Toxic Substances Control Act

Currently, there are over 80,000 different chemicals being used commercially in the United States alone. The Toxic Substances Control Act, passed in 1974, requires that U.S. companies state all chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process of their product. And yet, even with this supposed law for clarity, many consumers are unaware of the amount of chemicals in common household products.

Why is this? A "watered down" portion of the bill allows companies to hide up to twenty percent of all chemicals from the public eye. And this is not only from consumers. The law allows the chemicals to be hidden from state regulation committees, medical professionals, and even emergency response personnel.

It may sound like a conspiracy theory, but both the government and chemical companies are well aware of the fact that if the "secret 20 percent" of hidden chemicals were revealed to the public, consumers would be too afraid to purchase these toxic products. In essence, potentially toxic and lethal chemicals are hidden for business profits.

The law states that companies can keep any chemical secret if they feel that it will protect their profitability, or as the Washington Post reports, chemicals that "could harm their bottom line." And it stands to reason that no company would intentionally hide a chemical from the public if it were completely harmless. It doesn't take a massive leap of logic to assume that the chemicals the companies are hiding could be the most deadly and toxic of all.

Even worse, over 50% of risk reports directed to the Environmental Protection Agency involve issues with these "hidden chemicals," according to the Post. Because of this loophole in the law, more and more companies are hiding more and more chemicals. Estimates from the EPA show that 95% of all new chemicals introduced are kept secret.

Sadly, the agency itself has done little to determine which chemicals are seriously harmful and has admitted to testing 200 of the 80,000 chemicals used in common household products. Of these 200, the EPA has only managed to restrict or ban five of the chemicals. Ten of these secret chemicals are commonly injected into children's play-toys. And, as the law allows for companies to indiscriminately use chemicals that may or may not be toxic, some sources note that the chemical makers themselves are prone to abusing the law's loophole.

Lisa Jackson & The Upside of Transparency

EPA Chief Lisa Jackson

In a world where companies can intentionally hide the fact that they are putting poisonous chemicals in children's toys, it is up to us as consumers to demand transparency. It seems that there is an upside to this sobering tale of the sacrifice of human lives and safety for corporate profit gain. The EPA is working to have this law reformed in Congress this year. EPA head Lisa Jackson has launched an aggressive commitment to increasing awareness and transparency in relation to chemicals in consumer products.

The organization has also announced a coming list of "Chemicals of Concern" (PDF) [2], which will allow consumers to be aware of any chemicals that may, as the EPA states, "present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment." The EPA head has acknowledged the pressing need for comprehensive reform with what she terms "outdated chemical management laws." We can only hope that we, the intelligent consumers, as well as our organizing structures, can have the courage to demand these changes.

Lisa Jackson, head of the EPA:

"The American people are understandably concerned about the chemicals making their way into our products, our environment, and our bodies. We will continue to use our authority under existing law to protect Americans from exposure to harmful chemicals and to highlight chemicals we believe warrant concern. At the same time, I will continue to fight for comprehensive reform of the nation's outdated chemical management laws to ensure a full assessment of the safety of chemicals on the market today and effective actions to reduce risks where chemicals do not meet the safety standard."

This is one more reason I highly recommend cleansing the body on a regular basis. Keeping the body clean in a time where chemicals are everywhere will help reduce the incidence of disease.

References (1)
  1. Lyndsey Layton. Use of potentially harmfull chemicals kept secret under law. The Washington Post. 2010 January 4.
  2. Dale Kemery, Enesta Jones. EPA Announces actions to address chemicals of concern, including phthalates(PDF). 2009 December 30.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.


Top
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

Related Posts
How to Reduce Your Liver’s Toxic Load for Proper Detoxification
Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body. Every day, it filters toxins from your food, water, air, and household products. It processes everything you eat and...
5 Ways to Reduce Waste In Your Wellness Routine
Wellness should never come at the cost of the earth. Yet, many modern wellness products come wrapped in layers of plastic, filled with synthetic additives, and designed for convenience over...
What Goes Into a USDA Organic Certification for Supplements?
When we think about sustainability, we often focus on what we eat, how we shop, and the products we use daily. But have you ever considered how natural supplements can...
The Effect of Microplastics On Your Health and the Environment
You ingest about 39,000 to 52,000 plastic particles per year – and those numbers increase to 74,000 and 121,000 when considering inhalation. Add 4,000 more particles if you drink tap...
The Science Behind Oxy-Powder®’s Proven Results
Global Healing has come a long way since 1998, and we wouldn’t be the same without our flagship product, Oxy-Powder®. So, we’d like to take you on a journey back...
How to Repurpose an Empty Supplement Bottle into a DIY Reed Diffuser
Instead of tossing your empty liquid supplement bottles in the recycling bin, why not turn them into a beautiful, natural reed diffuser? This DIY project is an easy way to...
Back to blog