Washington D.C.- President Bush recently signed a bill that will ban six types of phthalates from children’s toys after scientists, consumer advocates and parents sounded the alarm. The provision was part of a larger bill called the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act HR 4040, which was spurred after numerous toy recalls in 2007.

The phthalate ban, a provision of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act, will protect children from these harmful plastic-softening chemicals, which are linked to breast cancer, decreased sperm counts, birth defects and other health problems.
Advocates see this legislation as a first step toward broader chemical policy reform.

Minnesota legislators Representative Terry Morrow (DFL-St. Peter) and Senator Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato) played integral roles in pushing this bi-partisan legislation. During the 2008 session these legislators supported the Safe Baby Products Bill (HF2100/SF1858), which would have phased out phthalates and bisphenol-A from children’s products intended for the use of children under the age of three. Both legislators supported this bill as it moved through the legislature and its final passage.

“This is a clear example of the importance and power of the Minnesota legislature. State leaders can play an important role in spurring federal protection for children’s health” said Deanna White, co-Director of Healthy Legacy.

The passage of HR4040 is also a direct response to a growing movement of parents, scientists and advocates who are raising concerns about unsafe chemicals in consumer products. Months before Congress took action, retailers and manufacturers including Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber responded to consumer outcry by announcing plans to phase out phthalates in toys.

“The public cares about these issues and wants safe products for their families, period. It is encouraging to know that our state leaders are willing to listen and support the requests of their constituents,” White said.

—Healthy Legacy announcement