News Coverage
Davis Signs Bill to Ban Flame Retardant
A California measure to phase out some toxic compounds by 2008 aims at protecting mothers and nursing infants.
Published August 9, 2003
As dozens of people filed papers across the state on Saturday to replace him, Gov. Gray Davis was in Venice to sign legislation that makes California the only state in the nation to force industries to stop using flame retardants that are contaminating people and wildlife at an alarming pace.
The law is hailed by environmental scientists around the world as a big step toward protecting humans and wildlife from toxic compounds that are doubling in breast milk, especially in the United States, every few years.
"Once again, California is at the forefront of progressive legislation," Davis said at the Venice Family Clinic. "This bill protects California's most vulnerable residents: nursing infants and mothers. Health risks for all Californians will be reduced."