Kids’ Exposure to Toxins and Pollution Costs the U.S. $76.6 Billion Annually
by Jennifer Chait, 05/06/11Stupidly enough, the government knew this was coming and yet did nothing. Way back in 2002 an analysis showed that it cost $54.9 billion annually, to care for U.S. children affected by environmentally mediated diseases. Of course, in the years since that costly analysis was completed, this country has done almost nothing related to keeping kids safe from toxins and pollutions. For example, the U.S. has failed to update the 1973 Toxic Substances Control Act so that it requires chemicals be tested for toxicity before being approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for widespread use.
To prevent further increases in these costs, the researchers propose that the United States pass new legislation that not only requires testing of new chemicals but also tests those chemicals already on the market. The researchers also suggest that America needs to reduce lead-based paint hazards and curb mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.
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Lead image © kkiser via sxc.
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