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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
68 |
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TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MONITOR RESEARCH THAT IS BEING CONDUCTED 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; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that the Department of Health is requested to monitor research that is being conducted 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 Department of Health 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 research being conducted, information gathered, and any recommendations and proposed legislation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this 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.
Toxic Consumer Products; Phthalates; Bisphenol-A; Child Safety