Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Preventing Harmful Exposure to Phthalates Act.'' This bill would ban harmful chemicals known as phthalates from products used in food processing and packaging and would require the Food and Drug Administration to review other products under its purview that might also expose Americans to harmful phthalates. The harm associated with phthalate exposure is well-documented, with studies showing that prenatal exposure to these chemicals can have lasting consequences to child brain development and increase children's risks for learning, attention, and behavioral disorders. We also know that women are disproportionately affected by phthalates through higher exposure to these harmful chemicals in personal care products, like nail polish, fragrances, and hair products, as compared to men. Pregnant women's exposure to phthalates has been shown to decrease fetal testosterone and harm reproductive development in male babies. Black and Latina women are also disproportionately affected, experiencing higher exposure to certain phthalates compared to white women. Studies have demonstrated that Americans are exposed to phthalates through our diet. Phthalates from production materials involved in food processing and packaging are able to leach into our food. These materials include plastic equipment such as tubing used in commercial dairy operations, lid gaskets, food preparation gloves, conveyor belts, and food packaging materials.…”