BAN BPA IN CALIFORNIA! Posted
by Tim at 08/18/09 02:46 PM
A California bill (SB 797, authored by Senator Fran Pavley) that bans Bisphenol A, or BPA, in all food and beverage products designed for children under three is coming up for a final vote in the legislature in late August. The chemical, widely used in certain kinds of plastics and epoxy resins—including those commonly found in baby bottles and infant formula can liners—leaches directly into foods and beverages, and then into children’s systems where it can remain for their lives. Research by the Centers for Disease Control showed that 93% of Americans tested had BPA in their bodies. And children typically have higher levels of BPA in them than adults. BPA has been linked in several scientific studies to various diseases, including neurological and reproductive problems, breast and prostate cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Canada banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and restricted its use in infant formula cans. Chicago and New York’s Suffolk County banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. Minnesota banned BPA in baby bottles and cans. Connecticut banned BPA in children’s food containers and all reusable food and drink containers. Congress is considering two bills that ban BPA in all food products. Now is the time for California to act to protect small children from the dangers of BPA.
California Senator Pavley is sponsoring two upcoming events to highlight the importance of passing a BPA ban in California. The first event is a Toxic Baby Bottle Swap to be held in Los Angeles tomorrow on August 19 (see event brochure here [PDF]).
The second event is a press conference and rally held on August 26 starting at 10:00 am on the front lawn of the Capitol in Sacramento, followed by visits to Assembly Members’ offices (see event brochure here [PDF]).
The chemical companies and infant formula industries are out in full force opposing the BPA ban legislation in California, and many members of the Assembly are being lobbied to oppose the bill. Please go to Consumers Union’s website and send your Assembly Member a letter asking for support of SB 797 when it comes up for a vote in the next few weeks.
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