FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARDOZA MOVES HEALTH SAFETY BILL

SACRAMENTO - Late Tuesday, April 25, 2001 with an 8 to 6 member vote, Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) passed AB 2820 out of the Assembly Committee on Health.

AB 2820 is a study bill designed to research the biological effects of feminine hygiene products on women and their offspring. There is conflicting evidence regarding whether or not the use of these products could lead to several illnesses, including Endometriosis.

While the industry states their products are perfectly safe, there are conflicting studies performed by research institutes stating these products may contain low levels of a chemical (dioxin) that has been deemed harmful to humans. To ensure the study is free of bias, it would be conducted by the University of California.

"My sincere hope is that this study will clear up the current hysteria and confusion," Cardoza said. "I think consumers have a right to know, without a doubt, that the products they use are completely safe."

Never before has a study been conducted outside of the industry to measure the biological effects feminine hygiene products may have on their consumers. Currently, the FDA regulates these products, but rely on industry studies as proof that the products are not harmful. Industry research cannot be shared with the public because it is of a proprietary nature, so the public is left without firm knowledge of the product's safety.

"Approximately 73 million women use these products today," stated Cardoza "and I don't think it's an unfair request to ask for a little bit of clarity on whether or not these products really are safe."

Michelle E. Marvel, Executive Director of the ERC, a non-profit organization headquartered in Florida, testified on behalf of the organization before the California State Legislature in support of AB 2820. "We believe women have the right to have public information in order to make an educated and informed decision about the personal care items and products they use," said Ms. Marvel. Additional supporters of AB 2820 include the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and various other reputable women's groups.

AB 2820 will be heard next month in Assembly Committee on Appropriations.