With no national rules governing the use of phthalates, or so-called “everywhere chemicals,” states are left to fend for themselves when considering whether and how to limit the chemicals found across a range of household products, according to an article from Bloomberg Law. According to the article, research shows that in high concentration, phthalates may cause serious health issues in pregnancy and child development.
Health advocates reportedly have called out what they consider the Food and Drug Administration’s inaction and inattention on phthalates. The 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act banned children’s products from having high phthalate concentrations, but did not stop the chemicals from being used in packaging materials and food containers, according to the article. Some states are weighing legislation to curb the chemicals, including Minnesota, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. Maine banned the use of phthalates in food packaging in 2019, but advocates reportedly say some brands have violated the ban.
Read the entire article here.
