Document 6REoVKr6rn5MQz8zboDV8DXb3

THE SUN BALTIMORE. MD. (MORNING) D. 183,549 SUN. 351.149 DEC 20 1975 ^ Dawdling on Toxic Chemicals Never keve the arguments been stronger for e strong national tonic substances control act The evidence that s growing number of chemi cals Increasingly threatens humans, animals end planta-and even entire ecosystems--has burgeoned during the put two years. Among the chemicals: the ubiquitous polychlorinated, biphenyls (PCBs) that are persistent, poisonous industrial compounds found in growing quanti ties In the environment; the polyvinyl chlorides that cause human liver cancer, tbe lead from auto exhausts which more than likely poisons Inner-city children. The stronger versions of toxic substances control bills now being considered by Congreu would give the Environmental Protection Agen cy authority to require toxicological screening, and; If indicated, estensive testing, of all com mercial chemicals, both thou already on the market and those proposed tor marketing. Al though EPA now hu substantial powers to pre vent pollution of the air and water with chemi cals, these powers leave some substances vir tually untouched. EPA has plan to prevent PCS discharges by major Industries, but them deadly chemicals enter the environment from many other sources-ranging from discarded old electrical equipment in Junkyards to smold ering trash hups. The only way EPA can get a handle on the problem Is through strong legisla tion giving it the authority to restrict the manu facture or Importation of toslcsubstances. Despite all the new evidence, however. Con gress has dawdled on toxic aibstances control legislation. This appurs to be a result of a mis guided reluctance to Impose my additional reg ulation on Industries sufferlrg from the reces sion This reluctance hu kittled up a strong Senate bill in commlttu, aid threaten to cow tbe House into tncorporatingweakentng amend ments from an Industry bU. The Justification for quick action Is ovenrhnming in view of all tbe new evidence that inwstry hu not ben able to police Itself with ngard to chemicals that represent tremendousthruts to the public health. f , HONS 033153