By Louise-Anne Geddes, Mindful Mum, 31st August 2011

The Toxin Free Infants Act, which goes back to the Assembly for a final vote, will ban the chemical from being used in any eating or drinking containers to be used by babies and children under the age of three from July 1st 2013.  Manufacturers will then be required by law to use the least toxic alternative substance to replace the chemical, and are banned from using cancer causing chemicals.

Health risks

More than 220 studies have linked BPA to health problems including cancer, obesity and infertility, as well as behavioural and neurological problems.  In January 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced their concerns, along with the NTP at the National Institutes of Health of the health concerns linked with BPA.

Martha Dina Argüello, executive director of Physicans for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles told the LA Times she believes the vote “is part of reasserting California’s leadership on environmental health protections.”

BPA in children’s products has already been banned in 10 US states, as well as Canada, China and the European Union.

If you are concerned that you have been using bottles made from bisphenol-a (BPA) read My child has been exposed to BPA. What can I do?

Source:
California State Senate

Further Information:
LA Times, BPA ban passes California state Senate , Aug 2011
Scandal of baby bottles, Mindful Mum In the Media, 2010

Photograph:

Inferis @ Flickr