After 40 years, the Toxic Substances Control Act is getting an update. Legislation just passed the US House of Representatives that would ban phthalates, formaldehyde, and some other ingredients known to be used in cosmetic products. As the bill gains more attention, it could potentially bring thousands of ingredients under scrutiny.
This is great news for advocates of consumer safety cruelty-free testing, who have been waiting on this type of legislation for quite some time. Even the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), is showing public support for the legislation.William E. Allmond, SOCMA Vice President of Government and Public Relations, said in a press release:
“This is a truly historic moment for a major piece of environmental legislation. SOCMA and the specialty chemical companies that we represent have been longtime stakeholders in the TSCA reform debate. We applaud the leadership of Congressmen Fred Upton (R-MI) and John Shimkus (R-IL) for their overwhelming success in improving the current law while recognizing the need to protect chemical innovation made possible by SOCMA’s members. SOCMA looks forward to swift passage in the Senate and President Obama’s signature on this final bill.”
Additionally, the bill would reduce the instances in which animal testing would be used to test various chemicals. Now, it heads to the Senate and its supporters are hoping to see it passed quickly.
For more information, see this in-depth article at CosmeticsDesign.com.