Annnette Gellert invited to testify in Washington

EPA WAS STYMIED BY THE WHITE HOUSE
GAO says studies of toxic chemicals repeatedly blocked

A recent government report revealed that the EPA  has been stymied by the White House in assessing the dangers of toxic chemicals. Senator Boxer held a Senate hearing to investigate. WELL Network's Annette Gellert testified at the hearing. Senator Boxer joined the discussion on chemical safety on KQED's Forum with Michael Krasney on May 1. To hear the broadcast, click here.

"...I strongly believe there needs to be a systematic way to address these types of concerns where California's scientists can work together with experts from throughout the world to evaluate the health effects of chemicals, assess the risks they pose, and ensure that the safety of possible alternatives receives the same consideration." Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

WELL Network congratulates Environment California and its partners; the California Legislature, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for their work to enact AB 1108, prohibiting the use of hormone-disrupting chemicals in baby products. We are encouraged that the governor recognizes that a comprehensive chemicals policy is needed. WELL Network urges California's leaders to adopt a plan that integrates all aspects of environmental management. Such a "green plan" can ensure greater protection for the health of the environment and the people of California.

California First in Nation Ban on Chemicals in Toys

For the past three years Environment California Research & Policy Center and Environment California have campaigned to ban toxic chemicals from children's  products. The campaign, Stop Toxic Toys has focused on banning hormone-disrupting chemicals—phthalates and bisphenol A—from children's products, including teethers, bath books, and baby bottles; and strengthening regulations for chemical use.

In October, Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law Assembly Bill 1108 , co-sponsored by Environment California, prohibiting use of six types of phthalates in children's toys and feeding products.

San Francisco Assembly woman Fiona Ma authored the bill, which gained strong support in the legislature. Media attention on recent toy recalls, contributed to the victory.

Environment California Research & Policy Center sponsored media events, published two children's product-testing reports, educated key decision makers on the harmful effects of these chemicals, and engaged email activists. Environment California, co-authored an op-ed in the Los  Angeles Times with best-selling author Dr. Harvey Karp (The Happiest Baby on the Block: http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/in-the-news/environmental-health/environmental-health/protect-kids-from-toxic-toys#Mx5uqsTIgeLrkAj06E-pyw

Coalition partner, Breast Cancer Fund, held high-profile media events throughout the state to draw attention to the problem of toxic toys—including one in Sacramento featuring 1,000 rubber ducks. http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/in-the-news/environmental-health

In his signing message for the Stop Toxic Toys bill, Governor Schwarzenegger wrote, “While I believe the circumstances related to phthalates warrant taking action now, I do not believe that addressing this type of concern in the legislature on a chemical by chemical, product by  product basis is the best or most effective way to make chemical policy in California.  I strongly believe there needs to be a systematic way to address these types of concerns where California's scientists can work together with experts from throughout the world to evaluate the health effects of chemicals, assess the risks they pose, and ensure that the safety of possible alternatives receives the same consideration.”   
 
Senator Diane Feinstein plans to introduce federal legislation based on California's new law.  

Efforts continue to reduce exposures to bisphenol A, and to urge the governor and California lawmakers to pursue a comprehensive chemicals policy for California.  Rachel Gibson of Environment California wrote this story. Contact
her at (415) 622-0086 x304 or rgibson@EnvironmentCalifornia.org.