SUPPORT RHODE ISLAND CHILDREN'S PRODUCT SAFETY LEGISLATION

TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)

Liberty Goodwin, Director

P.O. Box 40441, Providence, RI 02940

Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org

Website:  www.toxicsinfo.org

(Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living)

 

 

OPEN LETTER TO THE RI GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

PROTECT KIDS IN RHODE  ISLAND FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS IN THEIR TOYS & OTHER PRODUCTS!

 

Support RI Children%u2019s Product Safety Legislation To Prohibit Toxic Phthalates & Bisphenol-A in Children%u2019s Products & Toys

 

 

WHEREAS:  

 

**Phthalates/PVC and Bisphenol-A are chemicals known to be present in many toys and products made for use by young children.

Studies have shown that these chemicals leach out of products during use, and especially when heated.  Young children are exposed by inhalation of fumes - and by mouthing and chewing toys and drinking from baby bottles and sippy cups.

 

**Studies also indicate that these chemicals are endocrine disrupters associated, even at extremely low doses, with reproductive and other health effects in animals, including obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, and cancer.  Possible effects in humans include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and associated neuro-developmental and behavioral problem. BPA, an estrogen mimicker, is associated with early puberty and breast cancer in girls and reproductive abnormalities in boys, such as low testosterone levels.  Phthalates have been linked to a variety of illnesses including liver and hormonal damage, cancer, birth defects, developmental harm, premature breast development in girls and male genital defects.

 

**Some research is suspect. One biology professor found 100% of studies funded or carried out by industry claimed no harm from BPA -but 100% of independent research found cause for serious concern - and some pointed to serious flaws in industry findings.

 

**Besides effects from personal exposure, these plasticizers have been detected in ground water - 20% of the chemicals designated %u201Cemerging pollutants of concern%u201D in a Florida study.  Some contaminants survive treatment of drinking water sources.

 

**The European Union, and a dozen other countries, in addition to the states of California & Washington, have already found this concern important enough to restrict the use of the phthalates in question.

 

THEREFORE, WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, ORGANIZATIONS, SCHOOL & HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, PARENTS  & GRANDPARENTS, & OTHER RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND STATE THAT:

 

Since a significant number of respected scientists think that neurological and/or reproductive harm can be done to children by these chemicals, it is not justifiable to continue to allow this exposure, waiting for %u201Cproof%u201D of harm.  Our kids & grandkids, the young and vulnerable in Rhode Island, are entitled to a level of protection equal to that elsewhere.

 

THE RI GENERAL ASSEMBLY OWES IT TO US TO FORBID THE SALE HERE OF PRODUCTS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN CONTAINING THESE HARMFUL CHEMICALS.  WE CALL ON OUR LEGISLATORS TO QUICKLY TAKE THIS ACTION!

SIGNATURES IN SUPPORT OF CHILDREN%u2019S PRODUCT SAFETY LEGISLATION IN RHODE ISLAND

 

THE RI GENERAL ASSEMBLY OWES IT TO US TO FORBID THE SALE HERE OF PRODUCTS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN CONTAINING HARMFUL ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS.   WE CALL ON OUR LEGISLATORS TO TAKE THIS ACTION!