States are moving to ban the chemical BPA from food and drink containers, mainly those meant for infants and toddlers, because of health concerns.
A dozen states are considering restrictions on bisphenol A, an estrogen-like chemical used to harden plastics in products such as bottles and cups. BPA is also in the linings of metal cans, including infant formula, to help them withstand high sterilization temperatures.
The Food and Drug Administration, which previously called BPA safe, announced last month that, in light of new studies, it has "some concerns" about the chemical's potential effects on brain development of fetuses, infants and children. It did not say BPA is unsafe.
"This announcement has added momentum to the efforts to restrict the uses of this dangerous chemical once and for all," says Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., author of a bill to ban BPA from food and drink containers. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has a similar proposal in the Senate.
Activists including the Environmental Working Group and the Natural Resources Defense Council cite studies that link BPA to breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems.
Bans are "not necessary," says Steve Hentges, a BPA specialist at the American Chemistry Council. He says research shows BPA is safe.
"It's a ripe state issue," says Adam Schafer of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, because BPA is not federally regulated. He says more parents are concerned and major retailers have stopped selling baby bottles with BPA.
Last year, Connecticut and Minnesota passed the first state bans on BPA in food and drink containers intended for children 3 and younger. Chicago and Suffolk County, N.Y., took similar action.
"There's growing public pressure but also lobbying to weaken or delay state efforts," says Democrat Fran Pavley, a California state senator who is pushing a ban.
This year:
*In Washington state, both legislative chambers have passed bans on BPA in bottles and cups for babies and toddlers. The Assembly added sports bottles.
*Wisconsin's Senate approved banning BPA in food and drink products for children 3 and younger.
*In Oregon, a similar bill is headed to the Senate floor as early as today.
Bills are pending in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington, D.C., Schafer says.
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