Calif. changing rules for toxics in consumer products
By Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times
SACRAMENTO — Hundreds of items found on supermarket shelves, such as shampoos, cleaning supplies, cosmetics and food packaging, could get chemical makeovers under new rules being put in force by California.
On Thursday, state toxic chemical regulators unveiled what they say is the nation’s most comprehensive program for identifying and reformulating common consumer products containing hazardous chemicals.
In the past, the state took a piecemeal approach. Lawmakers would ban specific chemicals from particular products, such as bisphenol A in baby bottles and sippy cups.
That’s being replaced by a more systematic approach. Under the new rules, which go into effect Oct. 1, the state will identify classes of products for review, such as nail polish. Manufacturers will then have to perform detailed analyses to justify whether hazardous chemicals are needed or whether substitutes are available.