HER Act
The Health and Endocrine Research on personal care products for women Act (HER Act) would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), to fund grants for research on how personal care products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect the female reproductive system. It also creates a state-grant program to support investigations and public awareness campaigns about safer, non-EDC personal care options. The bill mandates periodic Congress reports (every 5 years) that summarize research findings, address disparities in access to safe products, identify safe vs. harmful products, and propose strategies to broaden the FDA’s regulatory authority over problematic ingredients. The act emphasizes transparency by making these reports publicly available.
Key Points
- 1Grants for research: NIEHS would award grants to study the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products on women’s reproductive health and related toxicity concerns.
- 2Periodic Congress reporting: Within 5 years of enactment and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary must report to Congress with findings, list safe vs. harmful products, discuss access disparities, and propose FDA-regulatory strategies.
- 3State grants for investigation and awareness: The Secretary would fund state programs to (a) investigate the reproductive health impact of these products and (b) run public education campaigns about safer, less harmful alternatives.
- 4Definitions: Endocrine-disrupting chemical means a chemical that mimics, blocks, or interferes with hormones. Personal care products are cosmetics used for hygiene or grooming. The term State covers U.S. states, DC, territories, and Indian tribes/tribal organizations.
- 5Regulatory intent: The reports would include evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to expand the FDA’s ability to regulate ingredients in personal care products that are EDcs harming women’s reproductive health.