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

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

Stephenie Hendricks, +1-415-258-9151, stephdh@earthlink.net