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School supplies: More toxic than toys?

School supplies contain higher levels of toxics than federal rules allow for toys. New York Sen. Schumer wants to give EPA more control over toxic chemicals in school supplies and other consumer products.

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP/File
Sen. Charles Schumer (D) of New York, shown here on Capitol Hill in Washington earlier this month, wants to pass the Safe Chemicals Act in the wake of a new report that finds that school supplies have higher levels of toxic chemicals than federal rules allow in toys.
  • By Associated Press

| NEW YORK

A new report has found that about 75 percent of children's school supplies contain higher levels of toxic chemicals than are allowed in toys.

New York Sen. Charles Schumer on Sunday discussed the report released by the advocacy group Center for Health, Environment & Justice.

Schumer said he will push for the passage of the Safe Chemicals Act. It would give the Environmental Protection Agency more authority to regulate chemicals used in consumer products.

The report says high levels of the chemical are found in vinyl binders, backpacks, raincoats and rain boots.

The chemical has been linked to asthma, learning disabilities, diabetes and other chronic health problems in children.

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