Exxon Blocking Toy Safety Bill That Would Ban Phthalates in Toys
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 07.17.08
We have written so much about phthalates, the gender-bender endocrine disruptor that is a plasticizer for vinyl. While there is some dispute about its danger when used in products like vinyl siding or windows, it appeared that there was a consensus that sticking vinyl toys in the mouths of babes might not be a good idea. And while I am an architect and not a doctor or chemist (and have a medical student checking my work), I don't think you have to be to come to the conclusion that sucking on a chemical that is linked to hormonal changes, genital abnormalities, early puberty and even claims of reduced penis size is unwise.
But not everyone agrees, notably ExxonMobil, which is trying to block passage of a Toy Safety bill in Congress that would ban phthalates in toys. Why? because it is the one of the biggest manufacturers of the stuff. According to toy safety activist Peggy Lo:
"After 45 million children's products were pulled from store shelves in 2007, I can hardly believe that we're still waiting for Congress to act.
Earlier this year, both the House and Senate passed a version of a bill to improve toy safety. But now, as the final bill is being hammered out, ExxonMobil has joined forces with the toy industry and the chemical industry in an all out attempt to weaken this bill."
She is asking us to sign an open letter to Congress to "stand up to ExxonMobil and deliver a toy safety bill that really protects our kids:" ::Sign the letter here.
A few years ago when Exxon was funding global warming deniers and were generally creepy, there were campaigns to boycott them. After changing presidents and withdrawing funding from some of the more awful groups, the campaigns died down a bit. Perhaps we should reconsider this; perhaps one should say that if they are willing to poison kids, then they are just evil to the core. Perhaps it is once again time to Boycott Exxon.
More TreeHugger on Phthalates:
How to Green Your Kids' Toys
TreeHuggerTV - How To Buy A Green Sex Toy
Into the Mouths of Babes: Green to Grow Bottles
TreeHugger On PVC and Vinyl:
TreeHuggerTV: Sam Suds and the Case of PVC :
Sears & Kmart Join Wal-Mart, Target In PVC Reduction Programs ...
CHEJ Launches Campaign Against "The Poison Plastic" : TreeHugger
A Healthy California School Lunch: Fruit, Veggies, And A Bit Of ...
The Other Side: Those who think we Over-react
Huffington Post Gets Astroturfed
Margaret Wente on Understanding Risk
Boycott Exxon!
Exxon on Global Warming
Exxon on Global Warming
Who Are They Kidding: Exxon Says Never Doubted Climate Change ...
Exxon to USA: Stop Trying, Resistance is Futile
This is News? Scientists Slam Exxon for Disinformation Campaign ...
Quote of the Day: US Lawns as Big as New York State
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OK, everybody who's surprised by this raise your hand.
(looking, looking...)
I thought not.
You have to give them points for consistency, but that's about it. I was done with Exxon soon after the spill, and see no reason to change. It's like the Canadians with their MTBE.
Exxon is evil and owns your government. Time to introduce the concept of democracy in the US.
OK, everyone who's surprised by this raise your hand.
(looking, looking...)
I thought not.
I have not patronized Exxon since before the spill. They are nothing if not consistent.
It is always time to boycott Exxon/Mobile. The general public of the world disagrees though as noted in their quarterly earning statements. :(
Somehow I'm not surprised. Disgusted, but not at all surprised. Big company like that isn't too concerned for the health of the little guy if their profits are at stake.
Llyod,
is very different from
Unless you have been in contact with Doc Green and they have agreed to assist you -- saying Doc Green is "checking your work" is deceptive; it seems more like the Doc is refuting some of the less informed posts you are making and requesting you "exercise your journalistic duties."
Michael
PBS did a documentary about this on their program named NOW. Phthalates are already banned in the EU.
@Aaron: An Exxon/Mobile boycott simply doesn't mean anything. They, along with the other oil companies, have a product sharing agreement with OPEC. That means that exxon and the other companies do all the drilling and refining and OPEC gives them a share of the product -- the oil. So boycotting Exxon at the station doesn't do anything. Plus, Exxon gets billion in subsidies and all that. They got us by the balls. Only congress can stop it, but most politicians are in the pockets of Exxon, BP, Shell and Chevron. Plus you got big George with his mighty veto pen.