Rep. Themis Klarides co-sponsors legislation banning dangerous chemicals in children’s products

Rep. Themis Klarides co-sponsors legislation banning dangerous chemicals in children’s products

Thursday, April 29th the Connecticut House of Representatives voted on legislation Rep. Klarides cosponsored that bans cadmium in children’s jewelry and includes a timeline of the ban of bisphenol-A  in infant formula and baby food receptacles.

Cadmium is known for being highly toxic even in small amounts.  A U.S. Product Safety Commission investigation confirmed many children’s jewelry products contained high levels of cadmium.

“I’m pleased to see the overwhelming support from my colleagues for this legislation. With cadmium being a toxin, it is irresponsible governance to continue to allow our children to be so directly exposed to this harmful chemical. I hope the dangers of cadmium exposure for children become common knowledge, much like lead or mercury poisoning is today,” said Rep. Klarides.

The legislation also contained a timeline for implementing the ban on bisphenol-A.

Bisphenol-A, commonly known as BPA, is often used in plastics. Some studies show BPA can mimic the body’s own hormones with early childhood development ages being the most susceptible to its affects.

The legislation passed overwhelmingly with no one voting against the bill. The final passage was 144 to 0 with 7 members absent or not voting.