California Prop 65 Updated
BPA Added & Swiftly Removed from Prop 65 List
On Thursday, April 11, 2013 the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) officially added Bisphenol A (BPA) to the California Proposition 65 List as a reproductive toxicant. However, shortly after this (approximately a week), BPA was removed from the list. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has a current lawsuit against OEHHA. ACC is disputing the claim that BPA is carcinogenic or a reproductive toxicant. Until the suit is settled, BPA will remain off the CA Proposition 65 list.
BPA is used in a wide variety of products; therefore, if it is added to the list a number of manufacturers will be impacted by this decision. Manufacturers/Importers will have 1 year from the date BPA is added to list to either meet the established limit or place a warning label on products containing BPA above the established limit.
Maryland Bill Passed
Flame Retardant Chemical Tris (2-Chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP) Banned
The state of Maryland passed HB 99 on April 9, 2013. This bill bans the use of TCEP in childcare articles intended for children under the age of 3. Research studies have concluded that TCEP is carcinogenic and it has been deemed a reproductive toxicant. TCEP is mostly found in foam products and is typically used in an effort to ensure products meet stringent flammability tests, such as California Technical Bulletin 117 (which is in the process of being revised).
Minnesota Bill Passed
BPA and Formaldehyde Banned
The Minnesota House of Representatives passed bill HF 459 on Friday, April 26, 2013. The bill limits BPA in certain children’s products. Specifically, the ban applies to containers which have direct contact with children’s food.
The Minnesota House of Representatives passed bill HF 458, which the house also passed, bans formaldehyde in children’s personal care products for children younger than 8. Personal care products are deemed as items such as shampoos, bubble bath, lotion, gels, etc. Recent studies are linking formaldehyde exposure to cancer. This carcinogenic chemical is used in a variety of items (from MDF boards to fabrics) for various reasons. However, its use in personal care items is to act as a preservative. The ban on formaldehyde is effective on August 1, 2015, which allows time for companies to prepare.
About ATS
Applied Technical Services (ATS) is a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) accredited lab testing consumer products, which includes toys, childcare articles, children’s products, and non-children’s products for compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Since 1967 we have partnered with our clients to help meet consumer expectations, as well as all safety, regulatory, quality, and performance standards. As a compliance testing partner, we support our clients in establishing a reasonable testing and certification program.
Our staff is highly knowledgeable with current compliance regulations, and can provide you with rapid response and quick testing turnaround times. Our ISO 9001:2015-registered quality management system and ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited quality assurance programs meet the most stringent industry requirements.
