*ALERT UPDATE: EPA PROPOSED RULE ALLOWS CHEMICAL AND PESTICIDE TESTING
ON KIDS *
Thanks to everyone who responded to the OCA Alert in the last issue of
Organic Bytes. So far, the EPA has been deluged with over 20,000
comments from OCA supporters demanding changes in the EPA's
controversial proposed rule on human chemical testing, which contains
loopholes that would allow the testing of chemicals and pesticides on
children. EPA's proposal flies in the face of massive public opposition
and directives from Congress and the National Academy of Sciences to
stop industry from carrying out unethical studies on children. In the
wake of this strong citizen backlash, the EPA is frantically trying to
discredit the OCA and other organizations working on this issue (such as
the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Health and
Environmental Justice, and Public Employees for Environmental
Responsibility, etc.) by flat out denying that the proposed rule
contains exceptions for testing toxics on children. Unfortunately for
the EPA PR greenwashing efforts, the actual proposed rule is still
posted on the EPA website
<http://www.nacua.org/documents/ProtectionsSubjectsHumanResearch.pdf>,
where the public can look beyond the agency's rhetoric and read the rule
themselves. We invite you to read these sections of the proposed
regulations, which allow chemical or pesticide testing on children under
the following circumstances:
1. Children who "cannot be reasonably consulted," such as those that
are mentally handicapped or orphaned newborns may be tested on.
With permission from the institution or guardian in charge of the
individual, the child may be exposed to chemicals for the sake of
research.
2. Parental consent forms are not necessary for testing on children
who have been neglected or abused.
3. Chemical studies on any children outside of the U.S. are acceptable.
If you haven't already done so please learn more and send an instant
letter to the EPA here (public comment period expires Dec.12)
http://www.organicconsumers.org/epa6.cfm
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