Gumball.com Responds to Ban on Phthalates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2008

DALLAS, TX. Effective immediately, Gumball.com will discontinue the sale of all vending machine refills which contain Phthalates. These items, which include a handful of toy capsules will no longer be available for purchase. This policy will be followed throughout the country regardless of local law. We sincerely apologize for any short term inconvenience this may cause our vending operators.

The following items are no longer for sale: AWCW7B, ADOG2B, ASPFLB, AFASTC, AFASTDB, ABHCINC, AHOM1930, AHOM19302, AHOM19303, AHOM19304, AJUJAB, ADOG26301, ADOG2635, AHAP26202, AHOM1938, ACHKEC, ASTR12DB, ASPFLB, AFASTB, AFASTC, AFASTDB, AHOM19381

Toys containing Phthalates will be banned in CA effect January 1, 2009 and in the rest of the nation effective February 20, 2009.

“California leads the nation in protecting children from dangerous chemicals and in safeguarding our environment,” said Assembly member Fiona Ma, the San Francisco Democrat who authored the bill. “AB 1108 sends a clear message to the Consumer Product Safety Commission that if the Bush administration won’t act, states will.”

Phthalates are chemicals added to plastic to make it soft and flexible. Among many other things, they are used in soft plastic toys and other baby products, such as teethers, bath books, and rubber ducks.

Because phthalates are not chemically bonded to the plastic, these toxic chemicals are easily released. When children suck on these products, phthalates can leach out and enter their bodies.

“When a child puts a phthalate-laden teether in her mouth, it's like sucking on a toxic lollypop,” said Rachel Gibson, staff attorney for Environment California. Phthalates have been shown to interfere with the natural functioning of the hormone system. These toxic chemicals have been linked to reproductive problems, early onset of puberty, liver and thyroid damage, and testicular cancer.

Gumball.com, serving the vending industry since 1993, is the leading online distributor of premium gumball vending machines, gumballs, bulk candy and vending machine parts and accessories. For more information contact Gumball.com PO Box 1029, Newport Beach, CA 92659. Phone: 800-260-0010. Fax: 214-550-5070. Gumball.com. Email: support@gumball.com