Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, tales of toxic toys are making headlines across the country. Recalls of millions of popular children's toys are proof that the federal government and product manufacturers are failing to protect us and our children from harmful chemicals. Lead, phthalates, bisphenol A, and other dangerous chemicals are still commonly found on store shelves, in products ranging from lunchboxes to rubber ducks to lipstick. These chemicals have been scientifically linked to a wide range of negative health effects including cancer, birth defects, reproductive disruptions, and developmental and learning disabilities.

The laws meant to protect us against harmful chemicals are weak, outdated, and ineffective.  And no one is held accountable.

Governor, we encourage you to pass groundbreaking, comprehensive green chemistry legislation that protects our health and our environment by:

• requiring manufacturers to test and disclose the chemical content of their products;
• requiring chemical manufacturers to generate and disclose comprehensive information on the health and environmental hazards of their chemicals;
• immediately phasing out the use of known dangerous chemicals;
• dedicate funding for research into green chemistry and safer alternatives in order to make California a leader in the green chemistry that leads to safer products;
• strengthening the agencies responsible for regulation and enforcement of chemical policy and ensuring that they exercise their authority when necessary; and
• creating the authority within our state agencies to evaluate and ban chemicals in consumer products.

cc. Maureen F. Gorsen, Director of Department of Toxic Substance Control