Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thanks to all of you for coming. We really appreciate your time, your efforts, and your expertise.
Dr. Schwarcz, I'm struggling with some of the testimony I'm hearing. I think what history teaches us is the precautionary principle. Many times in the past, I think we've learned “late lessons from early warnings”, and the examples I would provide would be asbestos, BSE, benzene, DDT, and PCBs.
You talk about concentration. I think of ozone. We used to think that 82 parts per billion was dangerous to the lungs. We know that damage occurs below that, even in healthy people.
So here's my first question. Certain chemicals that are suspected carcinogens have been found in consumer products sold by some of those members represented here. Some international health authorities have identified that there is no safe level of exposure. Do you think that these should remain in children's products or household items if there are safer alternatives?