Toxic Chemical Reform Good for Business - New Poll

91% of Small Business Owners Believe Chemical Industry Should Be Held Responsible for Safe Chemicals in Marketplace 

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. small business owners want the chemical industry to be responsible for toxic chemicals safety in the marketplace, according to a new poll commissioned by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC). Small business owners nationwide show strong support for stricter regulation of toxic chemicals.  The October study examined the attitudes and opinions of 511 small business owners nationwide.

"In California, we have rising awareness about toxic chemicals in products; many small business retailers and manufacturers want to make the shift to safer products. Small business owners believe it's unfair that toxic chemicals linked to health hazards are promoted in the marketplace and welcome transparent regulation to help guide us. We urge Governor Jerry Brown to move ahead with the Safer Consumer Products Regulations," explains Barry Cik with Naturepedic.

The poll data supports the need for California's proposed historic Safer Consumer Products Regulations, which creates and prioritizes a list of chemicals of concern in consumer products. This enables California businesses to compete in the growing global market for green products and services. Business, consumer, and health advocates have asked Governor Jerry Brown to support the Safer Consumer Products Regulations, and urge the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to finalize the regulations in a timely manner. More here.

"With 82,000 virtually unregulated chemicals in the marketplace, it's a major concern for efforts for robust economic recovery," says David Levine CEO, ASBC. "When business owners can't know the health hazards in components they use for manufacturing or retail sales, they're at risk for loss of consumer confidence. This data shows that regardless of political affiliation, there's agreement that toxic chemicals need to be regulated."

"Since inception we've been using recyclable materials, purchasing clean emission free energy, and listing active ingredients on our labels so our consumers know exactly what they are buying. As a father, I am deeply concerned about my family's health, including my three young children. As a business owner, I believe in making safe and effective products," says Jeff Kletter, CEO, KINeSYS Inc.

The poll was commissioned by:  American Sustainable Business Council, conducted by Lake Research Partners and Public Opinion Strategies.

More info:  http://asbcouncil.org/press-release/ca-toxic-chemical-reform-good-business

SOURCE American Sustainable Business Council