Last week, New York State took a major step forward in the growing efforts across the country to restrict toxic chemicals. Governor Cuomo signed into law the Child Safe Products Act (S.501-B Kaminsky / A. 6296-A Englebright).

The move fulfills a decade-long campaign by a broad, diverse coalition of environmental health advocates and others, including sustainable businesses led by American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and the NY Sustainable Business Council (NYSBC).

The new law requires manufacturers to disclose chemicals of concern in children’s products and restrict the most toxic, while authorizing the state to add chemicals to disclose and restrict by regulation.

“Until now, responsible businesses faced significant challenges in knowing that they were buying safe ingredients for their products,” said David Levine, President of ASBC. “These new restrictions and disclosure requirements will help responsible businesses be confident that suppliers in their supply chains are keeping toxic chemicals out of their materials.

“Consumers want safer products and responsible businesses want to provide them. This new law is a major step forward in helping businesses meet the demand for safer products,” he said.

"Smarter chemical regulations will drive green tech innovation. Chemical disclosure will allow our retailers to meet the growing demand for non-toxic products. Plus, the children we aim to protect are our future workforce," said Bob Rossi, Director, New York Sustainable Business Council. "The Child Safe Products Act is good for our people, our planet, and our economy,"

ASBC & NYSBC businesses are proud to stand in appreciation of the Governor and the New York State legislature for passing this historic legislation.

We also want to thank all the businesses that joined us in helping to support this important policy and the Just Green Partnership in NY for its leadership.

Find more information and ways to engage in efforts to improve the safer chemical laws in your state and at the federal level here.