Our work at the federal level to fix the frayed product safety net came to fruition this past spring, resulting in more funding and authority for the agency charged with protecting consumers from unsafe products.
In December, the House passed the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, which would permanently increase funding and staff for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), reduce lead in children’s toys, and establish new testing requirements for products.
We called it a strong first step, but called on New Jersey’s congressional delegation to add parts of the Senate bill, which gives the CPSC greater enforcement authority, requires public disclosure of important product hazard information, and levies larger fines for companies. We thank the members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation who voted for the bill, including Reps. Frank Pallone and Robert Andrews.
NJ To Ban Common Toxins
In February, NJPIRG worked with Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and Sen. Loretta Weinberg to introduce legislation that will require that two of the most dangerous toxic chemicals be phased out of products intended for children by 2010. This ban would put New Jersey on the front line in phasing out the use of toxic chemicals in children’s products.
Phthalates and Bisphenol-A, the chemicals being targeted by the legislation, have been linked to cancer and developmental disabilities.
These chemicals are commonly found in children’s products such as baby bottles and bath books, so we are stepping up our effort to educate the public about their side effects and make sure chemical companies stop marketing them to toy manufacturers.
