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Assembly Member Julia Brownley
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Via Fax: (916) 319-2141

RE: AB 2505 (Brownley) Vinyl Chloride Packaging Phase Out - Support

Dear Assembly Member:

I am in support of your Assembly Bill 2505, which proposes to phase out the use of toxic, nonrecyclable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin in consumer packaging. The estimated 60,000 tons of PVC packaging distributed annually in California poses an unnecessary and readily preventable threat to public health and the environment. PVC consumer packaging poses a risk to public health in both its manufacture and use due to the inclusion of toxic additives. Furthermore, PVC packaging, compared to readily available and competitively priced alternatives, contributes disproportionately to the state's solid waste burden, as there is virtually no recycling market or opportunity.

The production of PVC uses several toxic chemicals, that have been linked to high illness rates in and around PVC factories. PVC packaging contains high levels of phthalates, a worrisome group of additives used to make it flexible. Phthalates mimic human hormones and are particularly harmful to children. PVC packaging also contains toxic heavy metals at a high incidence rate. The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse recently found that 61% of PVC products tested contained Lead or Cadmium, both of which are toxic in even small amounts and are especially dangerous to children.

PVC is used for packaging children's toys, food and cosmetics. These and similar uses have the potential for direct human contact, allowing for the transfer of toxins. Studies have shown that PVC left exposed in the household can shed toxins over time, presenting a long-term toxicity threat.

Virtually none of the 60,000 tons of PVC packaging generated in California is recycled due to prohibitively high costs, lack of infrastructure and markets and toxicity issues. Nearly indistinguishable from PET bottles, a recent study found that just 0.001% PVC contamination can render a batch of recycled PET unfit for many applications.

Non-toxic and recyclable PET, HDPE, glass and other packaging types represent a cost effective alternative to the use of PVC packaging. Recently, several high-profile corporations, including Sears, Target and Wal-Mart, announced they were ending or phasing out the distribution of PVC packaging. While we applaud these efforts, the demonstrated threat to public health demands that we not rely on a voluntary phase out.

PVC packaging presents pressing human, environmental and recycling threats beyond what is covered by California's Toxics in Packaging Law and should be phased out.