JAMA essay by Prof. Leonardo Trasande eyes TSCA reform legislation

NYU Wagner Professor Leonardo Trasande, (MPP, MD) writes in an upcoming issue of JAMA about the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform legislation. The legislation has been passed by both the House and the Senate in somewhat different forms, and the differences are being sorted out. In his JAMA viewpoint piece, “Updating the Toxic Substances Control Act to Protect Human Health” (March 14, 2016) Dr. Trasande explains flaws in the bills that have dampened enthusiasm by medical and public health organizations. The piece explores how and whether the process for arriving at a final bill for passage could reduce chemical hazards, and help prevent disease and disability.

Dr. Trasande is Associate Professor in Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine and Health Policy. His research focuses on identifying the role of environmental exposures in childhood obesity and cardiovascular risks, and documenting the economic costs for policy makers of failing to prevent diseases of environmental origin in children proactively. In addition to his Wagner appointment, he is on the faculty of the NYU School of Medicine.