League Activity/Outlook:
The Child-Safe Chemical Acts (HB5705 and SB2868),
introduced in the Illinois House by Representative Elaine
Nekritz and in the Illinois Senate by Senator Dan Kotowski,
regulate the sale and distribution of children's products
or product components containing lead, cadmium, phthalates,
and bispenol A. These chemicals, designated as chemicals of
high concern, have been linked to long-term health impacts
such as birth defects, reproductive harm, impaired learning,
liver toxicity, and cancer. Children, during their develpomental
stages, are especially vulnerable to the effects of these
chemicals.
These bills require manufacturers and trade associations to
report to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
a product containing a priority chemical. The Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is also authorized to participate
in an interstate clearinghouse to promote safer chemicals
in consumer products.
Both HB5705 and SB2868
have been referred to the House and Senate Rules Committees
(3/14/2008).
The Toxic Fire Retardant Prevention Act (HB5298)
was introduced in the Illinois House by Representative
Elaine Nekritz. This bill restricts the use of the brominated
flame retardant decaBDE in mattresses and upholstered furniture
and in the casing of televisions, computers, and other electronic
devices by 2011. Several studies in lab animals have suggested
that decaBDE is neurotoxic, delaying brain development and
causing behavior problems. Although legislation was passed
in 2005 eliminating the use of two other flame retardants
called pentaBDE and octaBDE, it has become more difficult
to pass legislation prohibiting the use of the toxic-flame
retardant decaBDE. This bill gives the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) authority to participate in the implementation
of a regional, multistate clearinghouse to assist in carrying
out the requirements of the Act and to help coordinate education
and outreach activities.
HB5298 remains in the House Rules Committee
(3/14/2008).
Interested in working on this issue?
Please email issues@lwvil.org
and cite the Issue on the subject line.
Additional Resource:
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