Phthalate ban stalls in Calif.

Here's an update from California: a bill that would ban use of phthalates in children's toys was rejected yesterday, according to this report in the Sacramento Bee.

The measure, Assembly Bill 1108, would have prohibited phthalates from teethers, rattles, rubber duckies, plastic play books and other products designed for children younger than 3.

The Assembly voted twice on the measure Tuesday. The final tally was 36-31, five votes short of the majority needed for passage.

Most Republicans opposed the bill, but the fatal blow was dealt by 13 Democrats, most of them moderates, who abstained from voting.

According to the story, Fiona Ma, the sponsor of the bill, may ask for another vote "in coming days."