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Chance to Protect Babies from Toxic Chemicals Faced by CA State Assembly

Posted on: Monday, 6 July 2009, 14:34 CDT

SAN FRANCISCO, July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, July 7th, the California State Assembly Committee on Business and Professions will have the power to protect babies from dangerous toxic chemicals found in their cribs, strollers, breast-feeding pillows and other products for children. The Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association is even supporting SB 772, a bill that would stop a de facto mandate (TB 117), supported by the brominated chemical industry, for toxic flame retardant chemicals to be mixed in with baby products sold in California.

"Flame retardant chemicals are linked to cancer as well a neurodevelopmental and reproductive problems such as hyperactivity and reduced fertility," says Dr. Arlene Blum, director of the Green Science Policy Institute. "And there is no demonstrated need for them in baby products."

"The decline of marine mammal populations is linked to the prevalence of flame retardant chemicals and other persistent organic pollutants," says marine biologist Holly Lohuis of the Ocean Future's Society. "Marine mammals are so similar in biology to humans, I had myself and my four year old son tested and to my horror, we are both contaminated, my son's levels were off the charts. It's unconscionable to have these chemical virtually mandated in products for anyone, let alone children."

"The chemical industry has used less than ethical tactics to defeat legislation like this, including funding phony front groups, generous campaign contributions to legislators, and going so far as to exploit people of color in their messaging when people of color suffer disproportionately from chemical contamination," according to Russell Long, vice president with Friends of the Earth.

"Consumer awareness of toxins is increasing resulting in parents demanding safety of juvenile products. Many of California's regulations, including TB 117, are killing in-state businesses and angering California's business leaders. TB 117 is blocking our ability to compete in the global marketplace and is damaging California's reputation." says Janina Pawlowski, co-founder and former CEO of ELoan.com..

http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5141/t/3217/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2778

SOURCE Green Science Policy Institute

Source: PR Newswire

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