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Hazardous Chemicals in Plastics & Government Regulations

Explore the risks of phthalates & Bisphenol A in plastics, their impact on health, and government actions. Learn about California's ban, federal recommendations, and the debate over state rights. Stay informed to make safe choices.

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Hazardous Chemicals in Plastics & Government Regulations

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  1. Hazardous Chemicals in Plastics By Michael Lee and Justin Schwartz

  2. Phthalates • Makes plastics soft and flexible • Used in toys, baby bottles, and medical tubing • Can cause hormonal changes that can hamper development of male reproductive organs • May damage liver, kidney, and lungs

  3. Bisphenol A • Makes plastics clear, strong, and shatter resistant • Used in food containers, baby bottles, dental fillings • Can lead to lowered sperm count, infertile sperm, breast cancer, or neural and behavioral effects

  4. Statistics • In 2000 the U.S. Centers for Disease for Control and Prevention found phthalates in the urine of 75% of people tested • 95% of Americans show signs of bisphenol A in their system

  5. California’s Action • Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ratified a law that bans products made for young children to have more than .001% of phthalates beginning in 2009 • First state to ban phthalates

  6. Opposition to Banning Chemicals • Maryland is the only other state to have proposed this ban, but the measure was rejected • Chemical and toy industries have lobbied against the ban

  7. Federal Action • In 2002, FDA recommended alternatives to phthalates in medical procedures for newborn boys, pregnant women, and boys entering puberty • Other federal agencies have been indecisive or reluctant to impose any precautionary measures due to commercial motives

  8. Federal or State Issue? • Federal government should warn against, or at least limit, phthalates and bisphenol A in plastics • States should have the right to impose stricter restrictions or ban these chemicals completely if they choose

  9. Problems with Chinese Toys • Numerous deaths have made people more aware of dangerous chemicals in common products • Federal government has become more involved on the issue – proposed Hazardous Products Act • Better testing, more rigorous standards for all plastics imports

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