'Study of Studies' Finds No Risk to Children From Phthalat...( Comprehensive Review of Scientifi...),Health

Comprehensive Review of Scientific Research Dismisses Rationale for Proposed California Toy Ban

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An exhaustive study analyzing years of scientific research has conclusively determined that a type of chemical targeted for a ban poses no risk to children when it is used in toys, according to a report released today.

Officials from the Toy Industry Association (TIA), which commissioned the report, said it disproved any justification for Assembly Bill 1108 (Ma).

Currently pending in the California Legislature, the bill seeks to ban toys using di-isononyl phthalates (DINP), the principal ingredient used to make vinyl toys soft, thereby helping reduce or eliminate potential choking hazards.

"Although well intentioned, AB 1108 is based on a contrived problem that does not exist according to the weight of international science," said Joan Lawrence, TIA's Vice President for Safety Standards and Regulatory Affairs.

"Toy safety is TIA's number one priority and we have supported the development of stringent toy safety standards throughout the world," she said. "But after exhaustive research and a thorough review of multiple international studies it is clear that toys containing DINP do not pose a risk to children's health."

The independently conducted report reviewed more than 140 separate scientific papers, studies and research documents investigating "phthalates." The analysis looked at a wide body of scientific evidence, including studies promoted by AB 1108 supporters, as well as research conducted in Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, the European Union and by a wide range of U.S. environmental and consumer agencies.

Exponent, a nationally renowned consulting firm made up of scientists, physicians, engineers, and regulatory experts who perform in-depth scientific research and analysis, conducted the study.

A summary of its 69-page report, Review and Risk Analy
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