Oct 16, 2007

California OKs Phthalates Ban on Children's Products

Siding with activists who urged action against "toxic toys," California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill on Sunday banning chemicals called phthalates in children's products.

The bill aimed at the chemicals used to help mold and smooth toys and other plastic products such as teething rings comes amid growing concern among US consumers over substances used by manufacturers in China to make toys, prompting recalls, including by Mattel Inc., the world's biggest toy maker.
"We must take this action to protect our children," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "These chemicals threaten the health and safety of our children at critical stages of their development."