On October 14, 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning phthalate plasticizers from children’s toys and articles sold in the state of California. Some scientific studies have linked phthalates to the premature onset of puberty, low sperm count, testicular cancer and liver problems.   

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Schwarzenegger commented: “I am signing Assembly Bill 1108, which would restrict a group of chemicals called phthalates, a type of plasticizer, from use in children’s toys and child care articles. While I believe the circumstances related to phthalates warrant taking action now, I do not believe that addressing this type of concern in the Legislature on a chemical by chemical, product by product basis is the best or most effective way to make chemical policy in California. I strongly believe there needs to be a systematic way to address these types of concerns where California’s scientists can work together with experts from throughout the world to evaluate the health effects of chemicals, assess the risks they pose, and ensure that the safety of possible alternatives receives the same consideration.”He continued: ”I am looking forward to the recommendations being developed as part of the Green Chemistry Initiative led by my Secretary for Environmental Protection. I encourage the Legislature and all California stakeholders to participate in this important initiative so that we can develop policies that will again allow California to lead the nation and the world in health and environmental protection.”

One aspect of Bill AB 1108 that warrants attention from the plastics industry is what was scratched from the original bill, namely, also banning bisphenol-A used in the production of polycarbonate.