FDA Says BPA Is Cause For Concern, Confirms Need For State Action

We are encouraged that FDA has registered its concern about bisphenol A (BPA). Their findings confirm and support the need for state action to remove the chemical from consumer products, especially baby bottles and other food and beverage containers used by children.

However, the agency has failed children and families by not putting in place specific regulatory measures, such as prohibiting the chemical's use in consumer products. As a result, there is still a critical need for the Washington State Legislature to pass the Safe Baby Bottle Act (HB 1180/ SB 6248) this session.

The Safe Baby Bottle Act, sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-36) and Sen. Karen Keiser (D-33), would put in place commonsense restrictions on the use of BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups, and other empty food containers intended for children under three years of age. Advocates are also pushing to include restrictions on BPA in infant formula cans and baby food jars as both can be a significant source of exposure to the chemical. Both Minnesota and Connecticut have passed legislation banning BPA in children's food and beverage containers.

More and more evidence shows that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in polycarbonate plastic and linings of food cans, is harmful to children's health. Laboratory studies have linked BPA to cancer, miscarriage, obesity, reproductive problems, and hyperactivity.

For more information on FDA's action today, see http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm197739.htm

For more information on the Safe Baby Bottle Act and Washington's efforts to ban BPA, see http://www.watoxics.org/campaigns

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ivy Sager-Rosenthal, Washington Toxics Coalition, 206-854-7623, isager-rosenthal@watoxics.org
Laurie Valeriano, Washington Toxics Coalition, 206-200-2824