States, Not EPA, Ban Toxics

Washington - the state - has banned a common ingredient in upholstery that has been linked to liver problems. California will ban formaldehyde, a carcinogen commonly used in kitchen cabinets. Maine, meanwhile, has banned the use of a suspect ingredient in plastic used to make children's products. The common theme here is that states, not the federal government, are taking products off the market when science shows they have potentially toxic ingredients. The Environmental Protection Agency defends its record on protecting the public, but some state legislatures don't see it that way.