Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and Senator Loretta
Weinberg have teamed up to introduce legislation (A2332) that would stop
dangerous toxins from being added to toys and child care products. Currently,
bisphenol-A and phthalates are commonly added to all kinds of consumer products,
despite the myriad of negative health impacts associated with these chemicals. Two recent reports on both phthalates and bisphenol-A indicate that these
chemicals leach out of products during use.
“One might assume that toxic chemicals are strictly
regulated or at least voluntarily avoided by chemical companies and
manufacturers, but our research shows that this is clearly not the case,” said
Rebekah Scotland, Legislative Associate with New Jersey Public
Interest Research Group. “This legislation is a bold and significant step
towards eliminating hidden toxic hazards in consumer goods.”
Both bisphenol-A and phthalates are pervasive in the
environment, and have been found in nearly all humans tested, according to the
CDC. Several laboratory studies have shown toxic
effects at levels similar to what the average American is currently
exposed.
An estimated 11 billion pounds of phthalates are
produced globally each year. They are found in toys made of soft, flexible PVC
plastic, and are used in a variety of everyday products, including shower
curtains, plastic food wrap, cosmetics.
Phthalates are widely recognized as reproductive and
developmental toxins and carcinogens. New research suggests that in combination exposure
to low doses of phthalates can be more potent than originally thought.
Phthalates are interacting with each other to cause additive effects that are
even more dangerous than one acting alone. Phthalates have
already been banned in the European Union, 14 other countries, and the state of
California.
Global bisphenol-A production exceeds 6.4 billion pounds
per year. This chemical is the building block of polycarbonate plastic, which
means it is used to make most baby bottles. It is also found in the lining of
food and beverage cans, including infant formula.
Even before bisphenol-A was marketed for use in plastics
it was recognized as a synthetic sex hormone. In recent years this chemical has
come under close scrutiny of scientists to determine its negative impacts on
animal reproduction, development, and endocrine systems. A panel of 38 experts,
commissioned by the NIH, recently met to discuss bisphenol-A and to review the
pool of bisphenol-A laboratory studies. In the Journal of Reproductive
Toxicology, the panel concluded that “the wide range of adverse effects of low
doses of BPA in laboratory animals exposed both during development and in
adulthood is a great cause for concern with regard to the potential for similar
adverse effects in humans.”
“Children’s growing bodies are particularly susceptible
to reproductive and developmental toxins. Parents can not be expected to
safeguard children from these toxic products all on their own,” said
Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein. “As legislators, we must prioritize the health
and well-being of New Jersey’s children.”
The Greenstein and Weinberg bill (A2332) would serve to
protect children from being exposed to several of the most pervasive and
dangerous chemicals in everyday toys and products. Specifically, the
legislation would:
- Prohibit the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of
toys and child care products if they contain bisphenol-A or a .1% total
concentration of phthalates.
- Require that these chemicals be replaced with safe
alternatives. No chemical may be used as a substitute if it has been identified
by the EPA as a carcinogen or reproductive toxin.
- Subject first-time violators to a penalty of up $10,000
for the first offense and up to $20,000 for the second offense and each
subsequent offense.
“With safe alternatives currently available to replace
these toxic chemicals, we are needlessly putting our children’s health at risk,”
explained Senator Loretta Weinberg. “New Jersey legislators need
to send a clear message that safety is an expectation, not a matter of choice.”
