Assembly Committee Approves Bill To Create List of Possible Carcinogens in Cosmetics
The Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday voted 8-5 to approve a bill (SB 484) that would regulate ingredients in cosmetics that could potentially cause cancer, the San Francisco Chronicle reports (Gledhill, San Francisco Chronicle, 6/29). The proposal, which the Senate passed earlier this month, is sponsored by Sen. Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) (California Healthline, 6/1).
The bill would require cosmetic manufacturers to report to the Department of Health Services all ingredients in their products that might cause cancer or birth defects. DHS then would be able to investigate the matter further or post the information on a Web site.
The list of chemicals that would require DHS notification would be developed through a process already established under Proposition 65, California's antitoxics law. However, there would be no Proposition 65 warnings required for the chemicals.
In addition, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health would determine whether workplace rules are necessary to protect workers who are exposed to the chemicals.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) office said the governor does not have a position on the bill, although Migden said state officials have "engaged" her staff on the issue (San Francisco Chronicle, 6/29).