ACTIVISTS HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON PRODUCT BANS
A few environmental activist groups pushing legislation to ban bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and other chemicals used in consumer products held a press conference Wednesday for the purpose of “scaring” people and drumming up support for banning chemicals and the products they are used in, which have been proven safe by numerous health agencies around the globe in their respective applications. CICI has taken the lead in opposing such measures.
The press conference came on the heels of a State House breakfast where legislators were invited to hear activist’s information on many products made from chemistry. The public was also invited to bring in products such as toys and electronics to be tested with an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer gun. While the XRF analyzer gun may be able to detect some elements it can’t tell what type of specific chemical may be in the toy or electronic item. Further, the mere presence of something in a product does not mean it poses a risk. This analyzer is mainly used to detect the presence of lead and other heavy metals.
CICI’s main argument against these efforts to ban chemicals (BPA and Phthalates) is that the products are safe and have been proven as such. Secondly, we have a strong regulatory stature at the federal level to address the safety of chemicals (TSCA, FIFRA, FDA, etc…). Banning products state-by-state would make it very difficult to conduct commerce if each state had different bans or limitations on the use of various chemicals.
In response to may of these bills, CICI has introduced resolutions, HR 1150 (Lindner, R-Sugar Grove) and SR 679 (Clayborne, D-E. St. Louis), calling on Congress to ensure that the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) provides the necessary statutory and regulatory controls necessary to protect human health and the environment from the risks of industrial chemicals. Specific to BPA, CICI has also introduced a resolution SR 707 (Jacobs, D-Moline) urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite their current review of BPA.
Further, another resolution, a joint resolution between the House and Senate, has been introduced as HJR 122 (Holbrook, D-Belleville) at the request of some consumer groups to urge Congress to meaningfully address imports – everything from toys to cat food - that have been the subject of various recalls in this country. All of these resolutions have been assigned to their respective chambers’ Rules Committee.
Chicago Aldermen Introduce BPA Ban
Meanwhile, Chicago Aldermen Ed Burke (14th Ward) and Manuel Flores (1st Ward) have introduced a proposed ordinance to ban bisphenol A in children’s products such as bicycle helmets, CDs/DVDs, electronic toys, and car seats in the City of Chicago. CICI is actively working with other groups to address this proposal and will keep you informed of any developments. | 
