States; counties; and other entities, including some manufacturers, such as baby bottle makers; Canada; and the European Union, have taken matters into their own hands regarding the controversial chemical, bisphenol A—BPA—by banning the estrogenic chemical in a variety of uses and for certain demographics. Now, reports the Associated Press (AP), Wisconsin is banning BPA in some children’s items sold in that state. Governor Jim Doyle signed the bill into law this week, said the AP.
The Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Chicago bans apply to bottles and sippy cups for children aged three and younger; the Connecticut law does not have an age limit, said the AP.
Doyle said that as more and more states continue to place bans on the industrial chemical, more and more manufacturers will likely stop using it, as well, reported the AP. As we’ve previously written, six key baby bottle makers—Avent, Disney First Years, Gerber, Dr. Brown, Playtex, and Evenflow—no longer use the polycarbonate plastic in the manufacturer of those products.
Countless established and emerging reports continue to confirm that the chemical appears to cause significant disruption to the body’s endocrine system and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, intestinal problems, and brain cell connection interference. BPA has also been connected to increased risks of reproductive and immune system diseases and disorders; problems with liver function testing; interruptions in chemotherapy treatment; links with serious health problems; and erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems in males. In urine tests, BPA is found in the overwhelming majority of Americans, more than 93 percent and, significantly, the chemical is found in 90 percent of all newborns. “British scientists have linked BPA to heart disease, diabetes and liver-enzyme abnormalities,” said Reuters.
Industry has long argued that scientists and advocates exaggerate BPA’s adverse effects, continually citing two industry studies; however, at last count, over 900 peer-reviewed studies found links between BPA and such effects. Also, studies have overwhelmingly found BPA to have negative effects at doses lower than current FDA standards; retention in the body longer than was previously believed; leeching into liquids being held in containers regardless of the containers’ temperature; and longer lasting damage, which some feel can be passed to future generations. Now, states; counties; and other entities, including some manufacturers; Canada; and the European Union, are taking matters into their own hands by banning the estrogenic chemical in a variety of uses and for certain demographics.
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reversed its position that BPA was safe for all saying it has “some concern” about BPA’s effects on the brain; behavior; and prostates of fetuses, infants, and young children, said the Journal Sentinel. But, on the heels of a meeting between chemical industry lobbyists and Obama administration officials, federal regulators at the EPA are doing what seems to be a bit of a back track regarding the inclusion of BPA in its regulation of dangerous chemicals.
The FDA has earmarked about $30 million to fund additional studies over two years, said AP, which noted that when the Wisconsin ban becomes effective in June retail outlets and manufactures must state the targeted products are free of the chemical; wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers could face fines and jail time if found to be in violation of the ban.
