B'More Green has just posted about a new report out today says that toxic chemical exposure is costing Americans big in terms of their health and the dollars they spend on health care. 

The study by the Safer Chemicals Health Families Coalition and sent to us by the Maryland Public Interest Research Group called “The Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act,” concludes that the country could curtail the rising rates of chronic disease and reduce health care costs by overhauling federal chemical policy.

The report is based on analysis of peer-reviewed scientific studies, the groups said.

At a time when Congress and the nation debate health care reform, the report says many common diseases and conditions are linked to chemical exposure, including cancer, learning and developmental disabilities and asthma.

The authors call on Congress to update toxic chemical laws. It cites estimates showing that reducing the incidence of these diseases by 0.1 percent could save $5 billion in health care costs. This is based on expected health care costs projected for 2020, and assumes full implementation of the new legislation by then.

In Maryland, the savings would be more than $94 million a year, the study says. (In addition to Congressional action, Mary PIRG is also is supporting legislation in the Maryland General Assembly to curb use of chemicals including Bisphenol A, found in polycarbonate plastic including baby bottles and most food cans. The Food and Drug Administration just reversed itself and said there may be reason to be concerned about the chemical and is studying the issue.)

See the full report at www.saferchemicals.org.