Update: In the final bill, San Francisco restricted Phthalates but not Bisphenol A.(BPA) A timeline of how this unfolded is included in the second half of the post "Phthalates and Bisphenol A: Media and Politics"
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The San Francisco Chronicle published an extensive article on a ban going into effect December 1st in the city of San Francisco, California, that will prohibit the sale, distribution, and manufacture of products that contain any bisphenol A (BPA) or certain levels of phthalates. Ordinance 060107 is specific only to products intended for children under the age of three, an age when kids are most susceptible to the toxic effects of the chemicals. The decision is supported by hundreds of studies showing deleterious effects of endocrine disruptors.
The Chronicle tested some products by purchasing "a random selection" of 16 children's products and sending them to STAT Analysis Corp., a laboratory in Chicago, for analysis. Among the findings, "A rubber ducky sold at a Walgreens store contained a carcinogenic form of phthalate, DEHP, at levels 13 times higher than allowed under San Francisco's pending ordinance. A second form of phthalate was found three times above the limit.". Bisphenol A was found in a Disney Co. Baby Einstein rattle and "the face of the Goldberger doll."
The study found that only three of the sixteen products didn't contain phthlates or bisphenol A (BPA). The full Chronicle story and details of their findings is here. The law is similar to bans in Europe on these products. However, the law is now the target of a lawsuit by chemical companies, toy manufacturers and retailers. These same parties have long waged a vigorous campaign to discredit the extensive research behind the health ordinance.
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Acronym Required previously published several extensive articles about bisphenol A, as well as about California's efforts to ban bisphenol A and phthalates. Plastic Bottles- Protecting Your Baby, by the ACC" January, 2005, discussed safety concerns with baby bottles manufactured with bisphenol A. Bisphenol-A and Phthalates Bill in California, January, 2006, reviewed research on bisphenol-A and campaigns of chemical industry organizations to discredit the research, and San Francisco Bans Bisphenol, Phthalates, in July, 2006, discussed this ordinance.
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