Children may be more susceptible to the negative health impacts of toxic chemicals, such as those contained in flame retardants, which are present in many children's products. Before even coming into direct contact with these products, "a typical American baby is born with the highest recorded concentrations of flame retardants among infants in the world" according to a July 25th article in the Chicago Tribune. The purpose of this hearing is to examine the science surrounding the safety and effectiveness of flame retardant chemicals and to examine the effectiveness of New York's approach to chemical bans in children's products.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on flame retardants in children's products are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: