WOOD CALLS FOR BAN ON PRODUCTS WITH BPA

HARTFORD- State Representative Terrie Wood of Darien and Rowayton supported legislation last week to ban products such as baby bottles and food containers made with the chemical bisphenol-A.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics found in such products as beverage containers, protective food can linings and plastic dinnerware. It has been shown in laboratory animal studies to have reproductive and developmental toxicity properties.

“BPA has become an all too common component of many food and drink containers, as well as other consumer products, even as scientific research has raised serious health concerns,” said Rep. Terrie Wood.

Specifically, the bill (HB-6572) phases in a ban on the sale, manufacture, and distribution of products made with bisphenol-A, starting January 1, 2010 with infant formula and baby food in containers made with the toxin. On October 1, 2010, the ban would extend to reusable food and beverage containers made with bisphenol-A.

“This would be an important step in keeping our children safe. Testing confirms that over 90% of our population carries BPA in their bodies. Science has also linked low doses of the substance to a number of health issues including birth defects,” added Rep. Wood, who is a member of the legislature’s Environment Committee.

Further, manufacturers of food products stored in containers made with bisphenol-A would have to label them accordingly, starting October 1, 2011. The legislation also prohibits manufacturers from substituting for bisphenol-A with other substances that are or may be carcinogenic as listed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and other designated agencies.