HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.003 2020-2022 P/GRN RMC
bill (G7
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From: Georjean Adams _o
Sent: Monday, May16, 2022 10:23 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Richards, Tim — - .
Subject: Proposed Bill 167 Nonmetallic Sunscreens a` "
rn
I oppose Bill 167.
pp
1. The County Council is not qualified to make the determination that
"The chemical compounds contained in non-mineral sunscreen inhibit coral growth and degrade the
integrity of our reefs."[which include water among other nonmetallic chemicals]
Nor is the County Council qualified to evaluate the life cycle risks presented by titanium dioxide and zinc
oxide for whether or not they actually "..preserve the health, safety, and welfare of humans and the
environment...."
2. The County should, at a minimum, wait for the results of the National Academies of Science (NAS) study whose
results should be published this year: "Environmental Impact of Currently Marketed Sunscreens and Potential
Human Impacts of Changes in Sunscreen Usage"
https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/environmental-impact-of-currently-marketed-sunscreens-and-potential-
human-impacts-of-changes-in-sunscreen-usage
3. Zinc Oxide is classified as very toxic to aquatic organisms by the European Chemicals Agency
(ECHA): https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.013.839
4. Titanium Dioxide is classified by_ECHA as a category 2 possible carcinogen (https://echa.europa.eu/-/new-guide-
available-on-classifying-and-labelling-titanium-dioxide) and appears on the California Proposition 65 LIst for risk of
cancer. when in respirable powder form(https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/titanium-dioxide-airborne-
unbound-particles-respirable-size). Spray sunscreens are suspect. Ocean spray-unknown. Certainly there are
potential workplace exposure concerns when compounding titanium dioxide sunscreens.
5. Marketplace restrictions by county are confusing and difficult to implement, especially with e-commerce and what
tourists may bring on island. Preferably, the CTAS study will support a science-based nationwide response.
6. The County's Department of Environmental Management is not funded or staffed to administer and police this
bill. Passing ordinances that cannot be enforced is poor governance. Even SB 2571 is acknowledged as"unenforced.
Georjean Adams
Comm. No.
1-11 :b
Ref. To: P I£04 QMU
Ref. Date MAY 1 7 2027
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