“Valentine’s Day” star Jessica Alba came to the nation’s capital on Tuesday for Senator Frank R. Lautenberg’s press conference in support of the Safe Chemicals Act.
Alba, a mother of one, visited Capitol Hill to spread awareness on the effects of exposure to dangerous toxins and to push Congress to pass the act. Sporting high heels, the pregnant actress spoke at the podium about the measures she takes to keep her little girl Honor away from chemicals.
“Four years ago I became pregnant for the first time, and as I’m sure any mother would agree, it immediately changes the way you look at things,” Alba said on what inspired her to become active on this issue. “[You] avoid anything that can be harmful to your child, particularly pesticides, alcohol, tobacco, the stuff that we’re all aware of. Thankfully my daughter Honor was born healthy and I wanted to provide the healthiest environment for her at home.”
Alba said motherhood influenced her to research children’s environmental health, noting that kids are especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals because their bodies are still developing.
“I was shocked to learn that it is perfectly legal to have known toxic chemicals in consumer products on our shelves,” Alba told reporters. “Given what we know about the vulnerability of developing children, it’s a major problem that us pregnant women also have all these toxins in our bodies…Like many other moms out there, I will continue to do what I can through smart choices but that can’t be the only solution. You can’t hire a team of scientists to do the shopping for you. I mean, that would be great but…I barely have time to brush my teeth! I have a toddler and another one on the way.”
Alba said she’d love for Congress to pass the Safe Chemicals Act before the arrival of her next child.
“Thank you all for coming, I know that was a very long and arduous speech, but I just, I think this is just a common sense law,” Alba said. “This isn’t a political issue.”
Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg spoke at the conference as well, acknowledging that mothers are strong activists for the Safe Chemicals Act but that fathers are just as concerned about the issue at hand.
“This can’t be…exclusively mama power, there’s papa power too and I bring that,” Lautenberg said, mentioning his 13 grandchildren.
Lautenberg expressed gratitude for Alba’s help “in her [pregnant] condition,” adding that the California celebrity might have a hard time campaigning for the Safe Chemicals Act after she gives birth and has two children on her hands.
“We may call on Jessica again, the only thing is we have to watch our timing,” Lautenberg said.
“I’ll Skype!” Alba responded.