California Assembly passes chemical ban bill

28 August 2008 23:01  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--DuPont on Thursday voiced opposition to a bill passed by the California State Assembly that would ban perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) in food packaging.

The state assembly passed the bill on Wednesday on a 43-30 vote, said the measure’s author, state Senator Ellen Corbett.

The bill requires the removal of dangerous chemicals in food packaging that cause cancer, developmental, neural, or reproductive problems. It directs manufacturers to use alternatives that are not known or likely carcinogens by January 2010. 

PFOA is used in the production of Teflon, which is used on non-stick cookware.

A spokesman for DuPont said the bill “is not the right approach” to consumer safety.

“The best way to achieve this is to allow and trust the experts and scientists at our public agencies to review and determine the safety of products,” said DuPont spokesman Dan Turner. “SB 1313 does not do that - it takes the decision out of the hands of these qualified experts.”

The bill was lauded by the United Steelworkers union, whose members work in DuPont plants.

“As DuPont itself has consistently pointed out, its workers who come in contact with PFOA chemicals have higher levels in their bloodstream than the general public,” said union spokesman Shawn Gilchrist. “We’re tired of being treated like lab rats.”

The bill now moves to the state Senate floor for concurrence and then to the governor.

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By: Brian Ford
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