TOXIC BABY BOTTLES MEASURE ADVANCES

(SACRAMENTO)—California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in food and beverage containers designed for children three years and under. Today, the California Assembly´s Health Committee approved Senator Carole Migden´s "Toxin-free Toddlers and Babies Act," (SB 1713). Senator Migden (D-San Francisco/North Bay) introduced the bill in response to escalating reports of links between exposure to toxic chemical BPA and health problems, especially in children. This includes baby bottles, sippy cups, formula cans and baby food jars.

"This is a dangerous, cancer-causing chemical that has no business being in baby bottles and sippy cups," said Migden (D-San Francisco/North Bay).

Strong scientific evidence from animal research identifies the chemical as what scientists call an ´endocrine disruptor´ and is linked to breast and prostate cancer, diabetes and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

In April, Canada declared BPA to be a dangerous toxin and announced plans to ban it in baby bottles. The European Union, which bans BPA in all cosmetics, is now reviewing the use of BPA in consumer products. The EU has recently announced it may review its clearance of bisphenol A for use in the manufacture of plastic baby bottles, following Canada´s lead. U.S. Senators Schumer and Feinstein introduced a federal ban on BPA and 12 states (including California) are moving legislation to phase out or prohibit BPA in children´s products.