California Laws Will Regulate Chemicals in Consumer Products.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R.) has signed into law two measures giving state officials greater authority to regulate consumer products that contain chemicals of concern. One law requires the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (CDTSC; Sacramento) to establish a science-based process for identifying and evaluating product ingredients that pose a concern by 2011. Another law creates a clearinghouse giving the public access to scientific data on chemicals' suspected adverse health effects. The two laws will provide a comprehensive framework for regulating chemicals, and prevent the need for product-specific bans, officials say. California last …