Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law legislation that bans the use of the chemical Bisphenol-A in baby products.
The measure, known as the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act, prohibits the manufacture, sale or distribution of baby bottles and sippy cups that contain more than 0.1 parts per billion of the chemical.
“This law is an important step forward in protecting Californians from numerous adverse health effects from BPA in food containers,” said Elisha Odabashian, the West Coast director of the Consumers Union.
BPA is a chemical that has been widely used in shatter-proof baby bottles and cups and researchers claim it leaches out of the containers and into food and drink.
It is already banned in a number of countries including China, Canada and the European Union. The law was authored by Assemblywoman Betsy Butler (D-Marina del Ray).
“After years of fighting to ban BPA, the health of our children prevailed and California will finally join other states and countries in recognizing the significant danger this toxic chemical poses,” she said.
She claimed she had to overcome intense opposition to get the ban through the legislature. She credited the work of parents, environmentalists and health advocates who fought for the ban, adding “together we overcame powerful interests to protect our future generations.”
Research on BPA has linked the chemical to a host of health problems including early puberty, breast and prostate cancer, infertility, obesity and neurological and behavioral changes.
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