House Republican Press Release

April 11, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

BILL SPONSORED BY REP. ROWE  TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM LEAD, TOXIC CHEMICALS CLEARS KEY COMMITTEE

HARTFORD- On Tuesday, April 1, the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee approved legislation cosponsored by State Rep. T.R. Rowe, R-Trumbull, to protect children from hazardous toys and children’s products. House Bill 5601, which would expand the list of hazardous substances prohibited in toys and other children's products sold in Connecticut, now goes the full House of Representatives for action.

HB 5601 would expand the definition of banned hazardous substances in toys to include articles marketed for children 12 years old or younger containing lead, Bisphenol-A and Phthalates. The new definition would also cover objects marketed for children three years old and younger that are capable of being put in a child's mouth containing these chemical compounds.

Bisphenol-A is an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics found in such products as beverage containers, compact discs, protective food can linings, plastic dinnerware, and epoxy resins. In laboratory animal tests, it has been shown to have hormone-like effects on the reproductive system. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used primarily to add flexibility to plastics. DEHP, for example, is used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, including medical supplies and tubing. Tests of laboratory animals have shown that exposure to DEHP can cause adverse effects on development and reproduction.

While research continues, scientific studies have begun to link these chemicals to a variety of chronic diseases in children including some cancers, asthma and learning and developmental disorders.  These commonly found chemicals are suspected to negatively impact health at very low levels.  According to the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut, children are particularly susceptible to the health risks associated with toxic chemicals.  The coalition is a partnership of organizations and individuals that advocates reducing toxic chemicals that threaten human health and the environment.

"Recent events have highlighted the dangerous composition of many children's toys, particularly those produced overseas with little to no regulation,” said Rep. Rowe.  “We need to take measures to protect residents because many overseas companies do not.  This bill is a step in that direction and will help shield our children from potentially very dangerous and toxic substances."