Jessica Alba lobbies Congress for stronger chemical protections

Actress Jessica Alba came to Capitol Hill on Thursday to lobby lawmakers for stronger chemical protections.

The “Fantastic Four” star and co-founder of The Honest Company, which sells nontoxic household products, met with more than a half-dozen lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

{mosads}Alba is joining the American Sustainable Business Council, of which her company is a member, in a push for stronger chemical protections.

She suggested the rise of chronic illnesses may be linked to toxic chemicals.

“Who wants to be guinea-pigged to test chemicals?” Alba asked.

In Congress, lawmakers are weighing two competing bills that would reform the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act, but Alba suggested neither piece of legislation goes far enough to protect consumers.

“It’s just not strong enough,” Alba said. “We feel it could be stronger. That’s really what we’re here lobbying for.”

Alba is also meeting with Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Alba said she took an interest in chemical reform after her children were born.

“That’s the first time I ever read a label and cared about the ingredients, when I was pregnant with my first daughter, and it inspired me to create a company,” Alba said.

“Those of us who have children are aware, and we’re the ones who have to safeguard our kids,” she added.