New Study Finds Phthalates in Pregnant Women Harms Babies

Posted on Mar 6, 2009 | Comments (0)

A new study by researchers in Taiwan reveals that phthalates in pregnant women can damage the reproductive development in their daughters. Phthalates are organic chemicals produced from oil and are the most commonly used plasticizers in the world. (Source: http://www.phthalates.com/ index.asp?page=4) Other studies have found that phthalates can also damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs. California became the first state in the nation to ban phthalates and other toxic substances in toys in October 2007.

AB 1108, authored by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2007, took effect January 1st 2009.

The bill, sponsored by CHANGE members Breast Cancer Fund and Environment California, bans phthalates in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of toys and other children’s products for children under the age of three. The passage of the bill makes California the first state in the nation to ban toxic toys. Fourteen countries and the European Union have already passed legislation limiting or prohibiting the use of phthalates in manufacturing. While there is obviously still a long way to go in terms of banning toxic chemicals from our homes, the bill represents a progressive first step towards taking the actions necessary for increasing consumer environmental safety.

By Farah Ereiqat