Thank Congress for Cleaning Up Toxic Toys

This summer we won on toxic toys. The U.S. Senate sent a major toy safety bill, including a ban on toxic phthalates in toys that was championed by the Breast Cancer Fund, to the President, and he signed it into law on August 14. Phthalates are linked to serious health problems, including early puberty in girls—a risk factor for later-life breast cancer. With the hard-won passage of this bill, Congress took a first important step toward reforming the way chemicals are regulated in the United States. It’s a great start, and an indication that Congress is ready to consider the kind of sweeping reform that is needed.

We wouldn't be celebrating this victory or the opportunities ahead without the help of the moms, nurses, environmentalists, women's health advocates and state legislators who made it possible. Most importantly, we owe thanks to the champions in Congress who fought for our kids' health: Sens. Feinstein and Boxer, and Reps. Waxman, Schakowsky and DeGette. Please take a minute to send them your thanks and let them know that their leadership on environmental health matters to you.

Learn more about the phthalate ban »

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Message Recipients

Waxman, Henry (Democrat) - Representative , California District 30 , CA

DeGette, Diana (Democrat) - Representative , Colorado District 1 , CO

Schakowsky, Jan (Democrat) - Representative , Illinois District 9 , IL

Feinstein, Dianne (Democrat) - California US Senate , CA

Boxer, Barbara (Democrat) - California US Senate , CA

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Dear (recipient name),

I am writing to express my deep appreciation for your leadership and tireless efforts to secure passage of the nation's first-ever ban on phthalates in children's toys and childcare articles.

As you know, phthalates are used in many soft, plastic toys and can leech from the toys when children chew on them. Scientists have linked phthalates to early onset of puberty in girls, which is a risk factor for breast cancer, as well as testicular cancer and birth defects in baby boys.

I believe that the passage of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act, including the ban on six toxic phthalates from toys and childcare articles, will help protect our children from breast cancer and other diseases throughout their lives. Because of your steadfast and tireless advocacy, parents everywhere can rest a little easier knowing their kids won't be exposed to unsafe chemicals every time they pick up a rubber duck or bath toy.

Congress took a first, important step forward on what will be a long road toward reforming the way chemicals are regulated in the United States. It's a great start, and an issue that is very important to my family and me.

Moms, nurses, legislators, environmentalists and breast cancer prevention advocates everywhere were counting on your leadership to ensure the phthalates ban became law, and you didn't let us down. I am deeply grateful for your advocacy on this important children's health issue.

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