THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	132
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING the Department of Health to convene a task force to investigate the risks involved in the use of bisphenol-A and phthalates IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS, including children's toys and childcare products.

     WHEREAS, many common ingredients used for the production of foods, textile, tools, and toys have been found to be toxic for human use or consumption; and

     WHEREAS, phthalates, a class of chemicals used in polyvinyl chloride plastic to improve flexibility and, in cosmetics to bind fragrance to the product, are also used in many products intended for use by infants and young children, including teethers, toys, and soft plastic books; and

     WHEREAS, there is extensive scientific literature reporting the hormone-disrupting effect of phthalates and substantial evidence that levels of the phthalates of concern are found in humans at levels associated with adverse effects; and

     WHEREAS, often such chemicals have a far greater devastating effect on children whose bodies are still in a rapidly developing state in this stage of life; and

     WHEREAS, population studies show that virtually everyone carries some level of phthalates in their body; and

     WHEREAS, many have called for a prohibition on the manufacture, sale, or distribution of certain toys and child care articles containing bisphenol-A or specific types of phthalates in concentrations exceeding 0.1 per cent and to require manufacturers to use safer alternatives when replacing phthalates in their products; and

     WHEREAS, a task force should be convened to investigate the risks involved in the use of products containing chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol-A, and the possibility of prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution of toys and childcare products that contain these toxic chemicals; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Health is requested to convene a task force to investigate the risks involved in the use of phthalates and bisphenol-A in consumer products, including children's toys and childcare products; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force also study the feasibility of prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution of toys and childcare products that contain toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol-A; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force membership include a representative from:

     (1)  The Department of Health;

     (2)  The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs;

     (3)  The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine;

     (4)  The House of Representatives Committee on Health;

     (5)  The Senate Committee on Health;

     (6)  The House of Representatives Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce;

     (7)  The Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing; and

     (8)  Two experts in the field of toxicology; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2009 Regular Session on the actions taken, information gathered, and any recommendations made by the task force as well as any proposed legislation; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Health, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Dean of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Toxic Consumer Products; Phthalates; Bisphenol-A; Child Safety