Phthalates Coverage

See Also: Child Safety Task Force launches to promote child safety.

Good science makes good public policy. That is a given. Policymakers do well to protect consumers from things proven to be harmful.

The converse is just as true, however. Bad science can lead to bad public policy. That is the unfortunate scenario in a few isolated jurisdictions across the country as legislators react to recent headlines about lead levels in toys by casting too wide a net and outlawing substances that have not been shown to be harmful.

Overreactions are harmful to consumers too, as proven, safe ingredients may be replaced by less-tested and less-effective alternatives.

A balance should be sought. Objectivity should not be sacrificed. Consumers should be protected from substances that have been proven harmful. Those decisions should be based on sound science, though, not speculation. Good public policy demands a firm foundation.

Testimony

• 02/20/08
  HB 56: Phthalates and Bisphenol-A – Prohibitions – Toys and Child Care Articles (PDF)
  Testimony by Robert Johnson, President, Consumers for Competitive Choice
  House of Delegates, Maryland General Assembly

Press Releases

• 02/07/08
  In Case You Missed It: Overreaction remedied after Israel reinstates safe DINP (PDF)
  
  
• 02/04/08
  Common Substance Proven Safe by over 40 Years of Study (PDF)
  
  
• 01/30/07
  Activists Misguide Parents and Legislators; Proposed Bill Could Increase, Not Decrease Risks For Our Children (PDF)
  
  
• 01/22/07
  House Bill and Study Could Lead to Risky Reforms (PDF)

Issue Background

• Your Legislators Want to Ban Safe Compounds from Consumer Products. Do You Know What’s In the Alternatives? Neither Do They… (PDF)
  
  
• Unintended Consequences: Which One is Really Safest For Our Children? (JPG)