Walmart announces their new chemical policy — which includes phasing out 10 toxic chemicals from its products, from personal care products to household cleaners.

When policymakers want to get harmful chemicals out of everyday, household products, they often face a choice: They can attack the chemicals one by one with specific bans. But they can also choose take a more comprehensive approach with programs that identify chemicals of high concern, require disclosure of chemicals in products, and find safer alternatives to harmful chemicals.

As state legislatures start their 2013 legislation session, a major focus is the use of toxic flame retardant chemicals in products we use in our homes. Over the last few years, these chemicals have received increased scrutiny from health advocates, the fire safety community, and policymakers. The time to take action on these chemicals has hopefully arrived.

Behind seemingly friendly, brightly-colored face of the toy industry's trade association lies a more nefarious goal: laser-focused dedication to the bottom line of the companies it represents, at the cost of the health of children.

Is it "extreme" to be concerned about toxic chemicals? The American Chemistry Council says yes. But a broad collection of voices says no.

At nearly every turn, the advocacy organizations working for fair laws that protect the most vulnerable are opposed by industry organizations backed by billions of dollars of influence. After talking with experts throughout the country, we've noticed patterns in how the opposition defeats good bills, state by state. 

Cal Dooley, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), claims that the ACC has not lobbied on behalf of flame retardant chemistries in state legislatures and state agencies. Many of the Safer States organizations have direct evidence refuting this confusing claim.