Scientists Propose Global Treaty for Chemical Safety

A consortium of over 25 scientists from the U.S. and Europe has called for a legally binding global treaty to regulate synthetic chemicals, emphasizing the need for rigorous pre-market testing to protect children's health. Their report links a significant rise in childhood diseases, including cancer and cognitive impairments, to exposure to these chemicals, which are often inadequately regulated under existing laws like the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act. The authors argue that chemical manufacturers should prove the safety of their products before market release, similar to regulations for prescription drugs. They highlight the alarming increase in chemical production, projected to triple by 2050, alongside rising noncommunicable diseases among children. The paper, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, advocates for a shift toward a precautionary framework in chemical regulation, demanding independent testing and post-market surveillance. The initiative aims to address the health crisis posed by rampant chemical exposure and is supported by a new Institute for Preventive Health to implement these recommendations.