Finding agreement in Olympia can sometimes be a challenge, but there’s one issue both Democrats and Republicans should agree on this session: protecting children and families from harmful and unnecessary flame retardant chemicals. That’s why we’re sponsoring the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (HB 1174), a bill to eliminate toxic flame retardants from children’s products and furniture.

Our homes are loaded with flame retardant chemicals. They are in our couches, and products we give our kids. Toxic chemicals escape from these products and settle in house dust. Scientists have been sounding the alarm for decades that these chemicals are bad for our health.

Children are more susceptible to chemical exposure because of their small size, and how often they put their hands in their mouths. Firefighters, who risk their lives every day to protect our families and homes, are also more vulnerable to these chemicals.

Of course we want to make sure our families are safe from fires. But we don’t need toxic flame retardants for fire safety. There are many safer, effective ways of ensuring products in our homes are fire safe.

Many agree that toxic flame retardants are a problem. However, there is disagreement on whether the state toxics control agency should be allowed to stop harmful chemicals. We believe it is reasonable because the flame retardants are harmful and there are alternatives.

These reasons are why we support the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act. The rest of the Legislature should do the same.

Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim

David Taylor, R-Moxee

Washington State House of Representatives