Jessica Barr is reporting for The Legislative Gazette the New York Child Safe Products Act was finalized as part of the 2021 state budget and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The legislation requires manufacturers to disclose the inclusion of dangerous chemicals in toys and other children’s products like car seats, school supplies, furniture and baby care products. The measure also sets a framework for phasing out more harmful chemicals like benzene, which is known to cause respiratory problems, and asbestos, a toxic flame retardant. Revisions to the law include the creation of a Children’s Product Safety Council to advise and update the Department of Environmental Conservation on chemical restrictions. While the effects of dangerous chemicals, that have been linked to cancer, asthma, infertility and other health problems, are not limited to children, they do pose a considerable threat in altering childhood development.  New York state is the most populous state to take such action, joining Washington, Oregon, Vermont and Maine. The Child Safe Products Act first passed 53 to 9 in the Senate and 100 to 23 in the Assembly in April 2019, as part of a first-ever bicameral Earth Day package. Read the full story in The Legislative Gazette.