Lawmakers Agree to Ban Toxins in Children's Items

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Washington Post

Congressional negotiators agreed yesterday to a ban on a family of toxins found in children's products, handing a major victory to parents and health experts who have been clamoring for the government to remove harmful chemicals from toys.

The ban, which would take effect in six months, would have significant implications for U.S. consumers, whose homes are filled with hundreds of plastic products designed for children that may be causing dangerous health effects.

The rare action by Congress reflects a growing body of scientific research showing that children ingest the toxins by acts as simple as chewing on a rubber duck. Used for decades in plastic production, the chemicals are now thought to act as hormones and cause reproductive problems, especially in boys.

It also signals an important crack in the chemical industry's ability to fend off federal regulation and suggests that the landscape may be shifting to favor consumers. The movement to ban the toxins accelerated last year when California prohibited their use in children's products.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/28/AR2008072802586.html?hpid=topnews

[YOY]

1. I'm sure it wqas a tough decision for some...profits of the corps. vs. kids health

n.t.

[Arctic Dave]

2. I think the corps win again though.

Now they will sell Mom and Dad the same stuff again. I think people should also get a discount on a new item if the old one is unsafe.

[sandnsea]

3. Since most toys come from China

does this ban do anything about that?

[frog92969]

4. I smell a veto

The Corps won't like this.

[gratuitous]

5. Damn, the terrorists have won again

No poison in kids' toys? What's next? FDA oversight of tobacco? Why don't we just hand Osama bin Laden and his family the keys to the White House while we're at it?

[onehandle]

6. "President Bush opposes the ban"

Bush opposes the protection of American children. Nice.

[bigworld]

7. Lawmakers Agree to Ban Toxins in Children's Items (phthalates)

Source: Washington Post

Congressional negotiators agreed yesterday to a ban on a family of toxins found in children's products, handing a major victory to parents and health experts who have been clamoring for the government to remove harmful chemicals from toys.

The ban, which would take effect in six months, would have significant implications for U.S. consumers, whose homes are filled with hundreds of plastic products designed for children that may be causing dangerous health effects.

The rare action by Congress reflects a growing body of scientific research showing that children ingest the toxins by acts as simple as chewing on a rubber duck. Used for decades in plastic production, the chemicals are now thought to act as hormones and cause reproductive problems, especially in boys.

It also signals an important crack in the chemical industry's ability to fend off federal regulation and suggests that the landscape may be shifting to favor consumers. The movement to ban the toxins accelerated last year when California prohibited their use in children's products.Earlier this year, the country's largest retailer, Wal-Mart; the biggest toy seller, Toys R Us; and Babies R Us told their suppliers that they will no longer carry products containing the chemicals, known as phthalates, as of Jan. 1, 2009. Toys containing these chemicals, however, will still be on many retail shelves during the holiday season.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/28/AR2008072802586.html?hpid=topnews

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Wow. Something was actually done in Congress. And guess where President Bush stands?

[sentelle]

8. what age

So, at what age does the government think it ok to play with toys that have toxins in them. 5? 8? 12? 18? 35?

Should we have toxins in things we touch regularly at all?

Who is being paid off and allowing Americans to be poisoned?

[Lance_Boyle]

10. Old enough to not chew on rubber ducks sounds about right. n/t

[sofa king]

9. As usual, California sets the trend.

Thank you, Bear State.

[WriteDown]

11. This will be interesting...

They have been in EVERYTHING forever. Curious to see what the replacement is.

From the article:

"Phthalates make plastics softer and more durable and also are added to perfumes, lotions, shampoos and other items. They are so ubiquitous that in one 1999 study, the Food and Drug Administration found traces in all of its 1,000 subjects."

[karynnj]

12. This is great

The dangers of this were well described By Teresa Heinz Kerry in her chapter of This Moment on Earth on toxins. Phthalates are also found in a lot of products like sunscreen and shampoo- which are used on small kids as well. Since reading the book, I've been spending more time reading the labels, even though I realize that not having one bad thing - doesn't mean it doesn't have others.

[Darth Lenore]

13. NANNY STATE!!!

kidding