Might California Prop 65s warning on phthalates turn into a ban on phthalates in children’s toys?
A common chemical found in plastic ducks, teething rings and other soft, chewable baby toys would be banned in California under a bill before an Assembly committee this week. Legislation by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco, would require that all toys or child care products sold for children under 3 be free of six types of phthalates, a chemical used to soften and smooth plastics.
“The vulnerability to toxins is most prevalent in childhood,” Ma said. “It could cause harm to babies, and we should do everything we can.”
Phthalates have been banned by the European Union and at least 14 other countries after studies found that the chemical mimics the hormone estrogen and could cause developmental problems. Those could include early puberty in girls, low sperm counts, genital defects and lower testosterone in boys…
California lists the chemical as a toxin under Proposition 65, a measure passed by voters in 1986 that requires businesses to post warnings about dangerous chemicals.
See the full article here: Bill would ban chemical from plastic baby toys.