AmericanChemistry

Now What?

Keeping Track of Toy Testing Requirements

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced it is considering an exemption for natural products, such as wood, wool and cotton – the main media used in handmade crafts – from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), because these products do not typically contain lead or phthalates. The Commission also announced on January 30^th that it would delay the testing requirements under the law for certain products for one year. For our part, we are committed to working with CPSC as it moves forward to enforce this new law, and to explain the science behind the safety profile of phthalates.

Peeples’ Voice

Chemical Engineer Bob Peeples, author of the Earth 911 blog, brings up a great point in his recent blog posting, “65 Ways to Overprotect Ourselves.”

Scent and Sensibility

What’s all the buzz about air fresheners?  One phthalate ester in particular – the same one used in foundation makeup and perfumes – has been used for years in fragrances, including air fresheners, to maintain the scent.  After all, isn’t that why air fresheners are so popular – because of their wonderful scents?  Without the phthalate ester added, fragrances wouldn’t last as long.  Don’t get swept up in alarmist talk. Instead, consider the source; then consider that this phthalate has been reviewed by the expert review board Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which includes the participation of the FDA, and deemed safe for use by the CIR in cosmetics and perfumes.