I was so happy when I read this story. I did a post on phthalates in toys a couple of months ago. It has been reported for years that Bisphenol A, used to make polycarbonate plastic, the substance used to make hard clear plastic baby bottles is not safe and that it can leach out of the bottles. For some reason the FDA says that low levels of bisphenol A pose no health risk to humans. San Francisco is not buying it. They will be prohibiting the sale, distribution or manufacture of toys and child care products intended for use by children under the age of 3 if they contain phthalates, which are used to soften polyvinyl chloride (or PVC) and bisphenol A, which is common in hard, clear plastic.
I am so proud of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Although they have not yet implemented it, the ordinance will go into effect after the holidays.
A group of chemical manufacturers, toymakers, retailers and the owner of the children’s store Citikids filed a lawsuit challenging San Francisco’s ban on the sale of toddler toys and child-care products that contain certain chemicals suspected of being toxic substances.
The suit argues that state law, including the California Hazardous Substances Act, pre-empts the San Francisco ordinance.
San Francisco, is the only city in the world to ban bisphenol A in toys and child care products for youngsters.
It has to start somewhere. Someone has to take a stand and make some changes for the future generation. These companies are just mad because they are going to have to spend some money to change how they produce their product. It makes you wonder how they sleep at night knowing that the product they sell could harm innocent babies and children. I hope more cities take note and follow San Francisco’s lead.
Here are some effects from Phthalates:
·Phthalates can interfere with the natural functioning of the hormone system.
· Phthalates can 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 for testicular cancer.
· Phthalates are linked to allergies and asthma.
· Exposure may be linked to liver and kidney damage.
· Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.
Scientific studies show that at very low levels:
· Bisphenol-A can disrupt the normal functioning of our hormones.
· Bisphenol-A can cause behavioral effects, including hyperactivity and increased aggression.
· Bisphenol-A can lead to impaired learning.
· Bisphenol-A is associated with obesity and diabetes.
· Bisphenol-A exposure can affect the timing of the onset of puberty.
· Bisphenol-A stimulates mammary gland development, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
· Bisphenol-A can significantly increase prostate size.
· Bisphenol-A can alter the functioning of the immune system.
· Bisphenol-A is associated with miscarriages in women.
· Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.
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Safe Toys
SOURCE:SFGATE
SOURCE:ENVIRONMENT CALIFORNIA
