July 28, 2008
Amendment to Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act is not based on science and will not produce benefits envisioned by law makers
ARLINGTON, VA (July 28, 2008) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today expressed its support for the action of Congress to strengthen and fund the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). ACC acknowledges the important work that Congress has completed in order to strengthen the CPSC. However, ACC remains disappointed in a Congressional decision through the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act (H.R. 4040) to restrict phthalates from products intended for children under the age of 12.
ACC Vice President of Products Divisions, Sharon Kneiss, issued the following statement:
“ACC supports a strong and robust CPSC that is well funded and well staffed and can address questions about consumer and toy safety. We all certainly share a mutual interest in the need to protect the health of children. Our children's health and safety is too important to rush through product restrictions without understanding their full consequences and ACC believes that restricting phthalates from children’s products, when they have been deemed safe for use in those products by the CPSC, will do nothing to protect children’s health.
”Phthalates are used primarily to make vinyl soft and flexible and are an important part of our everyday lives. There is no scientific basis for Congress to restrict phthalates from toys and children’s products. With over 50 years of research, phthalates are among the most thoroughly studied products in the world, and have been reviewed by multiple regulatory bodies in the U.S. and Europe.
America's leading chemical companies have taken the steps to go above and beyond government rules and regulations with American Chemistry Council’s flagship program, the Responsible Care® performance initiative. The U.S. chemistry industry continues to invest heavily in the application of improved technologies to ensure the safe production and use of essential chemical products. Today, people are living longer, safer and healthier lives through the essential benefits provided by the business of chemistry.
# # #
