EU Bans BPA in Baby Bottles, but Oregon Lawmakers Refuse

by Jessica Belsky · 2011-06-08 15:10:00 UTC
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Last week, Europe's ban on the sale of baby bottles containing the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) went into effect. The chemical, commonly found in hard plastics and can linings, has been linked to a devastating list of health problems. Studies have tied the substance to heart disease, diabetes, childhood asthma, reproductive problems, early onset puberty, and more.

Nine states have already banned BPA in children's products, and Canada even considers the hormone-disrupting chemical to be a toxic substance. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the concerning chemical does end up leaching out of packaging and into the food system at alarming rates.

So if all of the EU is convinced that the last place BPA should be is in baby bottles, why don't Oregon lawmakers feel the same way? After all, infants are likely the most susceptible group exposed to BPA. Oregon's recent bill proposing a BPA ban in baby bottles and sippy cups, Senate Bill 695, died in the House despite widespread support from health and environmental groups. Traces of BPA can be released from plastic bottles when heated. C'mon lawmakers, we now know that bottles containing BPA put babies at risk for a very lengthy list of health issues!

The ill-fated bill would have banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups by 2012, and it would also have created an advisory group to consider "BPA-free" labels for canned foods and beverages, a feature that would be of great value to conscientious consumers. The bill would also have required the Oregon Health Authority to use BPA-free infant formula containers by 2013. All positive, common-sense changes. Perhaps opposition from Big Chem got the better of lawmakers.

Some Oregon lawmakers are currently working on a new bill that would ban BPA in kids' products, and now we need to voice our support for this movement. Oregon lawmakers know that babies shouldn't be exposed to the laundry list of BPA's risks. If you want BPA out of baby bottles and sippy cups, sign our petition urging Oregon officials to pass a state bill now.

Photo credit: abbybatchelder via Flickr

Jessica Belsky is a freelance writer and communications manager at an environmental non-profit.

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