Not only will manufacturers be required to test each of their own products and certify that they comply with ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Sec. 108. Prohibition on sale of certain products containing specified phthalates:

Phthalates are an issue for playground equipment. Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid used mostly in plastics, particularly PVCs (polyvinyl chloride) to make them softer and more flexible.

California, Washington and Vermont have already passed laws banning phthalates in toys and children’s products. Wal-Mart and Toys R Us (and Babies R Us) are also phasing out all products with phthalates. (The European Union has already banned the use of six phthalates.)

Previous safety regulations have only applied to goods made and distributed after enactment. While some provisions in the new law were written this way, the new rules on lead content and phthalates, manufacturers are concerned, may well apply to old inventory as well. Details like this need resolution.

The Chicago Tribune asked, ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Apart from the specific ban on phthalates enumerated previously, the act requires the CPSC not later that Feb. 2009 to ?EUR??,,????'?????<

No later than six months after completing its examination, the panel will report their results to CPSC, which will promulgate a final ruling on phthalates, whether to continue the prohibition as detailed in the act or to ?EUR??,,????'?????<

CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord said the new product safety legislation ?EUR??,,????'?????<