Massachusetts issues warning on bisphenol A

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health today issued a public health advisory on bisphenol A, warning pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children up to two years old to avoid exposure to the chemical. Organizations that oppose the use of BPA in packaging believe that the announcement could influence a number of legislative efforts to ban the chemical.

The Massachusetts advisory is the latest in a series of municipal, state and federal actions targeting BPA. Federal legislation introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D, Calif.) and Rep. Edward Markey (D, Mass.) would ban BPA from all food and beverage containers. The California Assembly is considering legislation that would ban BPA from food and drink containers designed for children under three.

More than 20 other states and municipalities are said to have considered or are considering legislation to regulate the chemical.

There has been significant movement away from BPA in the marketplace as well. Chemical manufacturer Sunoco announced it will sell BPA only to companies that guarantee the chemical will not be used to make children's food and water containers. Leading infant formula companies are beginning to use BPA-free packaging, six baby bottle manufacturers have pledged to stop using the chemical, and retailers including CVS, Kmart, Safeway, Toys R Us, Walmart and Whole Foods have announced they will stop selling BPA-containing baby bottles.

Source: Breast Cancer Fund

Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis