Parker Waichman LLP

Research Panel Calls for EPA Assessment of Phthalates

A panel of the National Research Council has announced that there is sufficient scientific data to warrant an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessment of the health effects from cumulative exposure to toxic, plastic-softening chemicals known as phthalates, reports Reuters.  The Council stated that U.S. regulators should be looking at whether phthalates are harmful to humans, […]

A panel of the National Research Council has announced that there is sufficient scientific data to warrant an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessment of the health effects from cumulative exposure to toxic, plastic-softening chemicals known as <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/toxic_substances">phthalates, reports Reuters.  The Council stated that U.S. regulators should be looking at whether phthalates are harmful to humans, said Reuters.

Phthalates, make plastic products soft and flexible and differ from bisphenol A—BPA—which hardens plastics.  Both chemicals have been linked to hormonal disturbances and a variety of other adverse effects and both have made headlines in recent months over their continued use—especially in products and toys meant for children—despite links to physical harm.  Phthalates can be found in soft plastic toys and children’s products—think:  rubber ducks, teethers, and pacifiers—while BPA is found in baby bottles, CD cases, eyeglasses, and sports bottles, to name a few.  Reuters added that, in addition to toys and pacifiers, phthalates have been used in cosmetics, personal-care products, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cleaning and building materials.  Both chemicals have been in use for decades.  Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that current BPA exposure levels are safe; however, the agency has agreed to conduct additional research on the matter.

Some phthalates are among the chemicals banned in the recently passed Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act, which comes into effect February 2009.  The Act, which bans three phthalates in children’s toys and products in all but the smallest of amounts—and, pending additional research, bans three other phthalates—has been under fierce scrutiny because some manufacturers and retailers are using the window between the holiday season and the deadline to manufacture and sell toxic toys, which was not the Act’s intent.  Of note, the six phthalates, say Reuters, have been banned for almost ten years in European toys.

Reuters said the panel cited animal studies that revealed phthalate exposure affected male reproductive system development, reduced levels of the male hormone testosterone, and indicated links to liver cancer.  The panel pointed out that an EPA assessment could prompt revised phthalate regulations.  “If we don’t do this as a cumulative risk assessment focused on these adverse effects, we’re going to be underestimating risks,” said panel chairwoman, Deborah Cory-Slechta of the University of Rochester, quoted Reuters.

Recently, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (Democrat-California) issued a press release urging the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to follow through on implementing the Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act of 2008 requiring the CPSC to protect America’s children from phthalates.  According to the release, the Act contained a provision written by two Democratic Senators from California—Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer—that requires the CPSC to remove toys and children’s products containing phthalates from store shelves by February 10, 2009.  The release explains that phthalate exposure can harm the development of reproductive organs and discusses how experts believe exposure to multiple phthalates presents a risk to developing fetuses and young children.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Gary C. January 2022 I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2017. Which was caused by breathing in the toxic air from the WTC attack. I reached out to Parker Waichman for guidance in dealing with Victims Compensation Fund. My paralegal is Ms. Nicole Copertino.. There isn't enough words to describe her knowledge, professionalism and all the help she has provided during these stressful times. Without any hesitation I would recommend Parker Waichman to family, friends and business associates. Kudos to Ms. Copertino and her team at Parker Waichman.
Gary Chastven
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Today Mr. Jorge Peniche assisted me, I am very grateful for his services since I felt very confused looking for a solution for an accident I had, Mr. Peniche advised me with the information that I needed and now I feel better, thank you for your assistance. Atte Karla Arias
Karla Arias
9 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value I am so thankful for the service I received from PW LLP. I would also like to give a shoutout to Benita. She kept me informed in regard to my case.
Helen Washington
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038