USW Outraged Schwarzenegger Vetoes Limit on ‘Likely Carcinogen’ in Food Packaging

To: NATIONAL EDITORS

Contact: Shawn Gilchrist of United Steelworkers (USW), +1-412- 562-6968

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The United Steelworkers (USW) today condemned Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his failure to protect California citizens from PFOA, the Teflon chemical often found in food packaging, cookware, carpeting and countless other household and industrial uses.

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On Tuesday, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed Senate Bill 1313 sponsored by Senator Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro). The landmark legislation would have regulated the use of PFOA and related grease and stain repellent chemicals in food packaging.

PFOA is described by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board as a “likely carcinogen” and studies have shown that exposure through food packaging is a primary cause for PFOA contamination of 95% of the American population’s blood. In a recent study, Johns Hopkins University researchers found a link between PFOA and lower birth weight and smaller head circumference of newborns.

“We are outraged to see the Governor bow to the pressure tactics of DuPont and the chemical industry and reject this bill which protects California children,” said USW President Leo Gerard. “Industry wanted to derail the regulatory process because it no longer holds the scientific evidence in its favor. What’s more, vetoing this bill is a slap in the face to the contaminated workers at the DuPont plants who have shown significantly higher PFOA levels in their blood than the general public.”

The Governor cites his support of the Green Chemistry Initiative as the main reason for vetoing the bill. While the USW supports such a systematic approach for evaluating the health and safety risks of chemicals, the danger of PFOA needs no further study.

“By rejecting this bill, Governor Schwarzenegger has shown Californians how little he values consumer safety protections,” said Terry Bonds, Director of USW District 12. “The public would not knowingly tolerate toxic chemicals in their food, and they deserve healthy alternatives. The Governor has missed a golden opportunity to take the lead on protecting citizens from exposure to this toxic chemical.”

A lawsuit filed by a coalition of environmental and labor organizations against the Schwarzenegger administration for its failures to uphold Proposition 65 is still ongoing. “The USW and our environmental allies will continue to fight to make sure human exposure to PFOA is eliminated,” added Gerard.

The USW represents 850,000 members in North America, including 1,600 members at DuPont.

CONTACT:

Shawn Gilchrist (412) 562-6968

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

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