Congress Weighs Ban Of Chemical Used In Plastics
Lawmakers on Monday moved toward banning phthalates, a type of chemical used as plastic softeners and found in all kinds of children's toys. Consumer groups say the chemical can harm children's reproductive development and cause other health problems.
Companies that make the chemical say the science is weak. Still, Congress is considering banning three types of phthalates, and temporarily banning three others pending further study.
The move is part of a broader bill that still needs a vote; the bill would overhaul the nation's product safety laws in the wake of last year's wave of toy recalls.
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NPR's business news starts with a ban on common chemicals in toys.
They're called phthalates, and Congress could soon forbid companies from using several kinds of these chemicals. For decades phthalates have been used as plastic softeners in all kinds of children's toys. But consumer groups say they may harm children's health. Companies that make the chemical, including ExxonMobil, say the science is weak.
Still, lawmakers haggling over a new product safety bill have agreed to ban three types of phthalates and temporarily ban three others pending further study. Last year, millions of toys were pulled off the shelf because of safety problems. The proposed legislation would overhaul the country's product safety laws. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright National Public Radio.
