Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R-NC) introduced the Carcinogen-Free Label Act, legislation that will empower Americans to reduce their exposure to cancer-causing agents found in every day consumer products. The Carcinogen-Free Label Act will create a voluntary application process for manufacturers to verify their products are free of known carcinogens and market their goods to consumers with a certified “carcinogen-free” label. As opposed to imposing mandates or creating new regulations, the Carcinogen-Free Label would offer manufacturers a voluntary, confidential application to be evaluated by current regulators against a federally-standardized list of known or suspected carcinogens. The application would also measure demonstrated adherence to the best carcinogen-avoidance practices in manufacturing, storage, and transportation of products.

“Just as consumers who rejected products laden with BPA nearly wiped this chemical off the shelves, the Carcinogen-Free Label Act will help Americans reduce their everyday exposure to cancer causing agents,” said Congressman Deutch. “Even as Americans seek to reduce their risk to cancer by using sunscreen, quitting smoking, and avoiding asbestos, too often they lack the information needed to make healthier product choices for themselves and their families. Cancer is an issue that affects all Americans, no matter where they live or who they vote for, and I am pleased to have Congresswoman Sue Myrick join me in this effort to empower consumers to buy, and manufacturers to produce, goods free of known carcinogens.”

“Sadly, we don’t know why some of us get certain kinds of cancers, and why some can be so deadly. Carcinogens in our general environment, diet, and consumer products have been studied for years, and this bill provides an opportunity to allow consumers more transparency when purchasing everyday products for their families. It’s a voluntary program for manufacturers, and doesn’t contribute to the federal deficit. I thank Congressman Deutch for his work on this issue, and look forward to moving forward with this effort.”  

“The best cure for cancer is not getting it in the first place, and so I am very excited to be associated with this Carcinogen-Free Label legislation, which was inspired by Cancer Schmancer’s own Trash Cancer prevention program,” said Fran Drescher, President of the prevention and advocacy organization Cancer Schmancer. “This is a highly cost-effective initiative that doesn’t involve regulations but rather just invites and encourages manufacturers to present products that are carcinogen free. And in doing so, the American consumer doesn’t have to go to MIT to understand the long list of ingredients in their food, their personal care items, and their cleaning and gardening products. They can just make the choice to avoid toxic, carcinogenic products by purchasing those that bear the Carcinogen-Free seal.”

Click here to read a copy of the bill:  /UploadedFiles/Carcinogen_Free_Label_Act.pdf