Safer States, an environmental health advocacy organization, is predicting that 28 U.S. states could change their laws about chemicals this year. Although the federal government maintains statutory authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, states can ban individual chemicals. Moreover, local authorities such as cities and towns can ban the use of products, such as food containers, made of specific substances.
As Manufacturing.Net explains, New York is one of 11 states that is expected to consider disclosure requirements or restrictions on toxic flame retardants in consumer products. The Empire State is also expected to consider a ban on phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. These chemical plasticizers have been linked to health problems such as liver, lung, and kidney damage.
New York State could also ban cadmium, a metal used in plating and to make pigments and batteries. A ban on lead, which is used in products such as lead-acid batteries and fusible alloys, could also be considered. Finally, the Empire State may ban Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used in the manufacture of epoxy resins and other polymers. BPA has been linked to endocrine disruption, and the FDA has expressed some concern about the potential effects of BPA on children.
Will the New York State enact new laws about chemicals in 2015? If so, how will legislation and subsequent regulation affect manufacturing statewide? Is your company concerned about new rules that could force changes to material sourcing and production processes? Would changes to chemical laws in other states also affect your business?
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