The academy says chemicals should be tested in ways that evaluate the potential risks they pose to the health of children and women. In addition, chemicals should meet standards similar to those required for drugs or pesticide residues on food.

Some 80,000 chemicals have come on the market since World War II, and new ones are being introduced each year, according to msnbc.com.

The authors of the academy's statement told USA Today that they felt compelled to advocate for patients who can't defend themselves. As Paulson told the paper, "Kids don't vote."