ACI, SOCMA Support TSCA Reform

ACI, SOCMA Support TSCA Reform

• The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) issued the following statement from president and CEO Ernie Rosenberg in response to the July 25 mark-up of the “Safe Chemicals Act” by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee:

“ACI has been and remains committed to passage of legislation that strengthens and modernizes the Toxic Substance Control Act. We have been thoroughly engaged in bipartisan discussions to get us on that path.”

Rosenberg insisted that any legislation enacted into law should continue to enhance consumer confidence in a strong, reliable and credible federal chemical management program.

“We will continue our efforts to obtain a bill that protects product and process innovations without detracting from EPA’s ability to conduct a robust chemical management program,” he said.

Rosenberg commended the effort and engagement of Senators on both sides of the aisle and noted that ACI will work toward opportunities for all sides to come together for a bipartisan, bicameral bill that promotes the safe use of chemicals, enhances public confidence in the chemical management system, protects American jobs and maintains US global leadership in chemical innovation.

The Society of Chemical Manufactures and Affiliates (SOCMA) also commended members of a key Senate environmental panel for addressing shortcomings in the nation’s chemical control law, while expressing concern over advancing legislation in the middle of bipartisan negotiations. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works voted to approve an amendment from Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847), thereby ending what appeared to be a constructive bipartisan process to draft legislation on a clean slate.

“Senator Lautenberg says he wants a bipartisan bill, but today’s (July 25) markup says otherwise,” said Bill Allmond, SOCMA vice president of government and public relations.“Progress was being made by both sides toward a workable approach, only to snatch defeat from the jaws of a bipartisan victory.”

Allmond added that the amended legislation is an improvement over the previous version and does address some key provisions of TSCA, such as separating the inventory of chemicals into an active and inactive list. It also has more targeted information requirements, and includes processor reporting and puts more emphasis on utilizing existing information. The amended version also requires prioritization and improves the treatment of US intellectual property and new chemicals, both of which are essential areas of a modernized TSCA.

More info: www.chemicalsincommerce.com

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PCPC 2012 Symposium,Workshop Set for Oct. 3-4
• The Personal Care Product Council (PCPC) 2012 Science Symposium will be held Oct. 3-4 at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, Newark, NJ. The symposium will include a Safety Workshop, which will focus on “Current Issues in Safety Assessment.”
Speakers and topics will include:

• Dr. Chihae Yang (Altamira), COSMOS Project;
• Dr. Ann Detroyer (L’Oréal), Use of In Silico Methods for Cosmetic Safety Substantiation;
• Dr. Richard Judson (U.S. EPA), Endocrine Disruption;
• Dr. Madhuri Singal (RIFM), Inhalation Toxicity Models;
• Dr. Susan Felter (Procter & Gamble), Risk Assessment of Personal Care Products for Babies and Children; and
• Dr. Anne Marie Api (RIFM), Dermal Sensitization for Fragrance Ingredients.

More info: www.personalcarecouncil.org

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Soy Candles Recalled Due to Fire Hazards

Some Bath Petals candles were recalled by the CPSC.

• The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, in cooperation with Bath Petals Inc., of Gardena, CA announced a voluntary recall of select soy candles—about 1,600 in the US and 1,200 in Canada.

According to the recall, the candle can burn with a high flame, causing excessive heat, which poses a fire hazard. The heat and flame can cause the glass candleholder to shatter. This poses a laceration hazard.

The firm has received one report of a candle burning with a high flame and shattering the glass holder. No injuries or property damage were reported.

The candles, manufactured in the US, are 7.5oz soy candles sold in four colors and scents: Australian Eucalyptus, California Rose Garden, French Alpine and Thai Lemongrass Ginger. “Bath petals” and the scent name are printed on the glass candleholder. The following UPC codes are on the bottom of the box: 6-10696-55269-3, 7-97734-03754-8, 7-97734-03755-5 and 7-97734-03758-6.

The products were sold at TJ Maxx and Marshalls in the US from February through April 2012 and at HomeSense, Winners and Marshalls in Canada in April 2012 for about $10.

More info: www.bathpetals.com