California proposes to get BPA out

Posted on Mar 19, 2009

On February 23, California introduced SB 797 (Pavley) which would ban an estrogenic chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles, sippy cups and formula containers.

BPA was originally synthesized in 1936 as an estrogen replacement therapy, but since the 1940s it has been used mostly to manufacture hard polycarbonate plastic. It can be found in baby bottles, water bottles, coating for metal food cans, dental sealants and countless other products.

BPA has been shown in dozens of studies to disrupt the hormonal system and more than 130 studies suggest that BPA exposure at very low doses is linked to prostate and breast cancer, obesity, brain damage, lowered sperm counts and early puberty.

Growing infants and children are the most vulnerable to BPA exposure, which sets the stage for later-life diseases.

Last year, the chemical industry spent untold sums of money to defeat this measure, including scare tactics and outright lies regarding BPA's toxicity. Parents, scientists and environmental health and justice advocates are committed to ensuring our kids are no longer exposed to this dangerous chemical and are working tirelessly in California and around the country to ensure passage of this critical legislation.