http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/dec2009/2009-12-31-01.asp U.S. EPA Will List, Possibly Regulate, Chemicals of Concern WASHINGTON, DC, December 31, 2009 (ENS) - For the first time, the U.S. EPA intends to establish a Chemicals of Concern list and is beginning a process that could lead to regulations requiring risk reduction measures to protect human health and the environment. The agency is taking action to control four groups of chemicals that EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says raise "serious health or environmental concerns." Kids and parents demanded safe, phthalate-free toys at a rally in Denver May 20, 2008. These plastic ducks are made soft with phthalates. (Photo courtesy Breast Cancer Fund) "The American people are understandably concerned about the chemicals making their way into our products, our environment and our bodies," said Jackson, announcing the action Wednesday. "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. This is the first time the EPA has used the authority of the existing Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, to list chemicals that "may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment." At the same time, Jackson says the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform. The decision to list the chemicals further signals "this administration's commitment to aggressively use the tools at its disposal under TSCA," she said. "At the same time," Jackson said, "I will continue to fight for comprehensive reform of the nation's outdated chemical management laws that ensures a full assessment of the safety of chemicals on the market today and effective actions to reduce risks where chemicals do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." ... === http://www.abc15.com/content/news/westvalley/glendale/story/FD-Glendale-ER -shut-down-for-hazardous-chemical/ZynfQyJY3EeGIkvUdx2fZg.cspx FD: Glendale ER shut down for hazardous chemical scare Reported by: Deborah Stocks Email: dstocks**At_Symbol_Here**abc15.com Last Update: 1/03 1:30 pm Banner Thunderbird Medical Center (John Pellizzari) GLENDALE, AZ -- A Glendale hospital emergency room was evacuated after a patient told workers he'd had an unknown chemical thrown on him at a 'smoke shop.' Fire officials say around 2:30 p.m. the man walked into Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, at 55th Avenue and Thunderbird Road, saying the chemical had been thrown on him earlier in the day and when he showered it burned his arm. Glendale Fire Department spokesman Daniel Valenzuela said a hazardous materials team was called out to test the chemical on the clothing the man had brought with him. In the meantime, seven people were evacuated from the waiting room and the emergency room area was shut down. Valenzuela said the clothing was tested and nothing was found. The man has since left and the ER has re-opened, according to Valenzuela. Police are investigating. === http://www.whiotv.com/news/22109987/detail.html Chemical Odor Sends 3 To Hospital Posted: 3:50 pm EST January 2, 2010 Updated: 4:01 pm EST January 2, 2010 BEAVERCREEK, Ohio -- Three people were taken to an area hospital after inhaling fumes from improperly mixed chemicals, the Beavercreek Fire Department said. A man who was trying to unclog a toilet mixed multiple common household chemical products, creating the dangerous fumes, crews on the scene said. The gas was contained to the building on Shadeland Drive where the chemicals were mixed. All three people were removed in stable condition to the hospital as a precaution, crews said. Copyright 2010 by WHIOTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Chemical Odor Sends 3 To Hospital BEAVERCREEK, Ohio -- Three people were taken to an area hospital after inhaling fumes from improperly mixed chemicals, the Beavercreek Fire Department said. A man who was trying to unclog a toilet mixed multiple common household chemical products, creating the dangerous fumes, crews on the scene said. The gas was contained to the building on Shadeland Drive where the chemicals were mixed. All three people were removed in stable condition to the hospital as a precaution, crews said. Copyright 2010 by WHIOTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.