Hearings

Plastic Additives in Consumer Products

May 14, 2008
10:00 AM SR 253

Recent press reports have highlighted two types of chemicals widely used in consumer products, phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA), which scientists have found to leach out of plastic and pose an exposure risk to consumers. Phthalates are a common class of chemicals used in many household products to improve flexibility in plastics. BPA is most commonly found in baby bottles, water bottles, and other food containers.

 The hearing will examine: 1) chemicals in plastics found in consumer products, specifically phthalates and BPA; 2) the health implications of these chemicals and their alternatives; and 3) federal government assessments of the toxicity of these chemicals. Senator Pryor will preside.

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Opening Remarks

  • The Honorable Charles E. Schumer

    United States Senator
    New York

Testimony

  • Dr. Norris Alderson

    Associate Commissioner for Science
    Food and Drug Administration
    Download Testimony (36.10 KB)

  • Dr. Marilyn Wind

    Deputy Associate Executive Director for Health Sciences
    Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Download Testimony (747.48 KB)

Witness Panel 2

  • Dr. John Peterson Myers

    CEO/Chief Scientist
    Environmental Health Sciences
    Download Testimony (618.64 KB)

  • Ms. Elizabeth Hitchcock

    Public Health Advocate
    U.S. PIRG
    Download Testimony (52.05 KB)

  • Dr. Steve Hentges

    Senior Director, Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group
    American Chemistry Council
    Download Testimony (264.39 KB)