H.R.1442 - A bill to ban the sale of products with a high concentration of sodium nitrate to individuals, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1442, also known as the "Youth Poisoning Protection Act," aims to ban the sale of consumer products containing a high concentration (10% or more by weight) of sodium nitrite to individuals. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The bill includes exceptions for commercial or industrial uses of sodium nitrite not intended for consumer use, as well as for products regulated as drugs, devices, cosmetics, or food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and related agricultural products.
The effective date of the ban is set for 90 days after the enactment of the Act.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to restrict access to products containing high concentrations of sodium nitrite for individual consumers. This could potentially reduce the risk of intentional or accidental poisonings, particularly among young people.
However, it may also impact the availability of certain products for legitimate uses, requiring consumers to seek alternative sources or formulations. The bill carves out exceptions for industrial and agricultural uses, which will limit the impact on those sectors.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of accidental or intentional poisonings, especially among youth.
- Enhanced consumer safety by limiting access to potentially hazardous substances.
- Focuses on consumer products while allowing for legitimate industrial and agricultural uses.
- Could lead to safer product formulations and alternatives.
- May decrease healthcare costs associated with sodium nitrite poisoning incidents.
Potential Disadvantages
- May restrict access to certain products for legitimate consumer uses.
- Could increase costs for manufacturers to reformulate products.
- May create inconvenience for consumers who previously used products containing high concentrations of sodium nitrite.
- Potential for a black market to emerge for the banned products.
- Enforcement challenges in monitoring and regulating the sale of affected products.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect public health and safety by regulating potentially dangerous consumer products. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which would likely be the basis for federal regulation of consumer product sales.
The bill includes specific definitions and exceptions to avoid unintended consequences and overreach. It does not appear to infringe on any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
However, some may argue that the ban infringes on individual liberty or freedom of choice, but such arguments would need to be balanced against the government's interest in protecting public health and safety.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).