States Move on BPA Bans
By Jenn (TinyChoices.com) | February 4, 2010
I hadn’t realized until now, but some states have taken action to ban BPA from food and beverage containers which are targeted to kids- this is exciting news!
In a nutshell, BPA is a hardener found in certain plastics- mostly those clear/colored hard-type plastics, such as Nalgene bottles- and also in the linings of nearly all canned food items and the tops of glass jars. While some scientists and health advocates have been expressing concern about BPA for years, the U.S. government held the position that it was perfectly safe. However, now “the FDA now agrees with the National Toxicology Program that BPA is of “some concern” for children and infants. But she said more needs to be known before the agency takes any steps to ban the chemical or reduce amounts.”
Okeydokey! So the federal government still isn’t taking steps to limit or ban this chemical, even where it’s been shown to leach into the food supply- but I find it so heartening that certain states are stepping up to the plate on their own and doing it their own selves:
In May 2009, Minnesota passed “the first statewide prohibition on the use of the toxic plastics chemical Bisphenol-A, or BPA, in baby bottles and sippy cups. The prohibition will go into effect January 1, 2010.”
Also in May 2009, Connecticut resoundingly voted against BPA, in situations concerning kids:
“The Connecticut State House has agreed, in an overwhelming vote, to ban bisphenol A (BPA) from plastic containers used by children and babies… The ban does not take effect until October 1, 2011… The ban now encompasses “reusable food and beverage containers, including containers of infant formula and baby food, reusable spill-proof cups, plastic sports bottles and Thermoses,” reported the Courant. The bill does not address products geared to the general population, beverage containers, and single-use jars and cans.”
And now, Seattle is close to passing legal restrictions on BPA:
“The state Senate on Friday approved a ban on the chemical from bottles, cups, and other food or drink containers intended for children age 3 or younger.”
And, as reported by our friend Susan over at West Coast Crafty, “the new Oregon Senate Bill 1032 is coming up for vote very soon. It would ban the toxic chemical BPA from all reusable food and beverage containers (like baby bottles and sippy cups) and formula cans and baby food jars (single use) intended for children under 3 — protecting the youngest, smallest and most vulnerable from this pervasive and toxic chemical. If you also support the bill, please take a minute to call or email your representatives (find all their info here and email them here) and let them know that you encourage them to vote YES on 1032.”
So if you’re a resident of Oregon, flex your political muscle and reach out to your reps!
Topics: Activism, Food | 2 Comments »
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BPA is in most tinned pops (sodas, colas). The ‘engery drinks’ are some of the worst for levels of the stuff. Check the Canadian news for information on BPA as they have banned that stuff in baby bottles over a year ago and have comissioned a fair bit of work on figuring out how much of it is actually leaching in to the food in the containers. A good place to start is Health Canada or the CBC.
thanks Jenn! I am hopeful about our bill passing! My daughter and I went to testify in front of the state senate committee here in Oregon last week and I got two minutes to talk about why banning BPA was important to me as a parent and a citizen, as well as submit a longer statement for the senators to read before voting. There were lots of other pro-ban people there to speak, mostly professional environmentalists and doctors, but it felt like we were outnumbered by the chemical lobbyists whose testimony was very repetitive and whose numbers were great. I was very grateful for the chance to participate in the hearing, and I’ve been asking all my friends here to call or email their reps to help get the real voters’ opinions in along with all the incessant lobbying.
btw, the Seattle ban you mention is actually for the entire state of Washington, even better! The action is all going on in Olympia and it sounds like once the senate and house of representatives work out some small differences, the bill will be signed into law by Governor Gregoire! I hope we are as lucky here. The first vote may be as early as Monday.