Chemical Legislation in Washington D.C.
Human and Environmental Health Protection Act of 2010
The Human and Environmental Health Protection Act of 2010 was enacted on January 12, 2011. Effective July 1, 2011, the Act prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any empty container intended to store food or liquid for consumption by children under the age of 4, in which BPA is present at any level.
Starting July 1, 2011, the Act prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, or distribution of any product containing the penta or octa mixtures of PBDEs. After January 1, 2013, the Act prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, or distribution of several products containing deca-BDE: mattresses and mattress pads; furniture for residential use; and a television, monitor, or computer encased in a plastic housing that contains deca-BDE. After January 1, 2014, the ban applies to all products containing deca-BDE (with exceptions).
The Act also limits the permissible concentration of phosphorous in dishwasher detergent to 0.5% by weight (with an exception for commercial dishwasher detergent).
Finally, the Act phases out the use of perchloroethylene in dry cleaning. After January 1, 2014, the Act prohibits installation of a machine designed to use perchloroethylene as a cleaning agent, and after January 1, 2029, the Act prohibits use of perchloroethylene for cleaning clothing.