In a reversal, it appears the federal government may be coming closer to recommending the phase out of Bisphenol-A.  A draft of a new study by the National Toxicology Program strengthens the link between the chemical and certain cancers.  The compound is widely used in reusable water bottles.

Read and Article in the Wall Street Journal>>

Read the Study>> 

CAW-sponsored AB 2505 (Brownley) passed out of Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee today. The bill proposes to phase out the use of PVC resin in certain consumer packaging.

Consumer packaging represents the largest segment of PVC in the solid waste stream, as it is virtually non-recyclable. PVC consumer packaging also presents a human health threat--it can contain high levels of phthalates and heavy metals--and is a costly and potent contaminant in the recycling stream of other, non toxic alternative plastics.

CAW and PVC:

• Learn More about PVC.

AB 2505, which will phase out the use of polyvinyl chloride packaging, will be heard in Assembly ESTM committee Tuesday.  PVC packaging is not recycled, contaminates the PET recycling stream and has a high incidence rate of heavy metal and phthalate contamination.

In related news, the New York Times reported that hospitals are working to phase out the use of PVC.  Susan Moran writes that hospitals have been leading the campaign to require vendors to switch to non-PVC alternatives:

"A few years ago, some Kaiser managers grew alarmed by studies showing that a plastic used in many supplies — polyvinyl chloride, or PVC — turns to chlorinated dioxin, a toxin, when burned. Other studies showed that DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate, a chemical that makes PVC malleable), can leach into the contents of intravenous bags, potentially causing reproductive problems in male babies.So the team summoned experts to identify hospital products containing hazardous ingredients. Soon after, a Kaiser sourcing manager called suppliers to see if they could come up with safe and functional PVC-free alternatives for carpets, medical gloves and other supplies."

Read the Complete Article>>

CAW and PVC:

• Learn more about PVC

<Copy and paste onto your letterhead in Word. Feel free to amend. Fax to ASM ESTM (916-319-3950) and c.c. CAW (916-443-3912) and Asm Member Brownley (916-319-2141).>

<Date>

Assembly Member Mark Leno, Chair
Assembly Appropriations Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Via Fax: (916) 319-2181

RE: AB 2505 (Brownley) Vinyl Chloride Packaging Phase Out - Support

Dear Assembly Member Leno:

<Organization> urges your support of Assembly Bill 2505 by Assembly Member Julia Brownley, which proposes to phase out the use of toxic, nonrecyclable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin in consumer packaging. The estimated 60,000 tons of PVC packaging distributed annually in California poses an unnecessary and readily preventable threat to public health and the environment. PVC consumer packaging poses a risk to public health in both its manufacture and use due to the inclusion of toxic additives. Furthermore, PVC packaging, compared to readily available and competitively priced alternatives, contributes disproportionately to the state’s solid waste burden, as there is virtually no recycling market or opportunity.

The production of PVC uses several toxic chemicals, that have been linked to high illness rates in and around PVC factories. PVC packaging contains high levels of phthalates, a worrisome group of additives used to make it flexible. Phthalates mimic human hormones and are particularly harmful to children. PVC packaging also contains toxic heavy metals at a high incidence rate. The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse recently found that 61% of PVC products tested contained Lead or Cadmium, both of which are toxic in even small amounts and are especially dangerous to children.

PVC is used for packaging children's toys, food and cosmetics. These and similar uses have the potential for direct human contact, allowing for the transfer of toxins. Studies have shown that PVC left exposed in the household can shed toxins over time, presenting a long-term toxicity threat.

Virtually none of the 60,000 tons of PVC packaging generated in California is recycled due to prohibitively high costs, lack of infrastructure and markets and toxicity issues. Nearly indistinguishable from PET bottles, a recent study found that just 0.001% PVC contamination can render a batch of recycled PET unfit for many applications.

Non-toxic and recyclable PET, HDPE, glass and other packaging types represent a cost effective alternative to the use of PVC packaging. Recently, several high-profile corporations, including Sears, Target and Wal-Mart, announced they were ending or phasing out the distribution of PVC packaging. While we applaud these efforts, the demonstrated threat to public health demands that we not rely on a voluntary phase out.

PVC packaging presents pressing human and environmental threats beyond what is covered by California's Toxics in Packaging Law and should be phased out. CAW respectfully urges your "Aye: vote when AB 2505 is heard in committee.

Sincerely,

<Signed>
<Name and Title>

c.c. Members, Assembly ESTM Committee