SACRAMENTO –During a legislative hearing today, the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxics Materials Committee passed legislation, authored by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D- San Francisco), to eliminate a dangerous toxic chemical used in baby toys. AB 1108, sponsored by Environment California, passed out of committee by an unofficial vote of 5-2.   During the hearing the bill was amended to only include a ban on phthalates.  Assemblywoman Ma agreed with the committee chair, Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D- San Rafael), to focus the bill on banning phthalates, while addressing concerns about bisphenol –A separately. 

“What’s most important is that this bill is moving forward.” said Assemblywoman Ma. “I thank my colleagues on the committee for moving in a direction that will protect the health of children.”

“Today we took an important step toward protecting children, the most vulnerable members of our society, from harmful exposure to toxic chemicals.  Phthalates pose a demonstrable threat to the health of developing children.  It is important that we act quickly to remove this threat to kids.  However, we have more work to do, and I am committed to working with Assemblymember Ma to address other toxic threats to our children in the months and years ahead,” said Assemblymember Huffman.  As chair of the Environmental Safety and Toxics Materials Committee, I will be closely monitoring the studies that are on-going on other chemicals so we can respond quickly and appropriately.”

Sarah Jansen, MD, PHD, a scientist from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Cynthia Lee, a pediatrician at San Francisco General Hospital, testified before the committee on the need for the bill.  During the committee hearing, it was noted that a number of studies on the effects of bisphenol –A are underway and set to be completed over the next 6 months. Assemblywoman Ma mentioned that she will pay close attention to the studies and vowed to continue in her attempt to remove bisphenol –A from toys and baby bottles.

“By separating the two chemicals, the possibility remains for an even broader approach to bisphenol –A in the future,” said Assemblywoman Ma.

As amended, AB 1108 will prohibit the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of toys and child care products intended for use by children under the age of three that contain certain phthalates.  The bill delays implementation of the law until January 1, 2009 to provide the industry with time to comply with the new restrictions.

Phthalates are a chemical substance used to make plastic soft and flexible.  Among other things, they are used in soft plastic toys and other baby products such as bath books, rubber ducks, and teethers.  Phthalates leach out of plastic over time and into the bodies of children, who have a tendency to suck on objects.  Phthalates have been shown to have a number of negative effects on human health:

• Phthalates interfere with the natural functioning of the hormone system
  
• Exposure may cause reproductive and genital defects
  
• Exposure is linked to premature birth and early onset of puberty
  
• Phthalates may lower sperm count and are associated with the risk factors of testicular cancer