Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced legislation that would establish a federal ban on the chemical bisphenol A in baby bottles, sippy cups, baby food, and infant formula. Bisphenol A, known commonly as BPA, is used in a wide variety of consumer products, including food containers, water bottles and baby bottles.

Senator Feinstein was joined in introducing the bill by Sens. Charles Schumer, John Kerry, Bernard Sanders, and Al Franken.

The evidence against BPA is mounting, especially its harmful effects on babies and children who are still developing. More than 200 scientific studies show that even at low doses, BPA is linked to serious health problems including cancer, diabetes, early puberty, heart disease, and obesity.

“Scientific evidence increasingly shows that BPA poses serious health risks, especially to children, and manufacturers and retailers have already started to offer BPA-free products in their shelves,” Senator Feinstein said. “I am also concerned about the effect of BPA on adults, which is why this legislation directs the FDA to update its scientific assessment on BPA.”

“Our children should not be used as guinea pigs by chemical companies while we wait, potentially for many years, for additional scientific evidence to show this chemical is harmful to our health. This bill is a first step forward to protect the most vulnerable from BPA exposure. The time has come to take action.”

          Bill highlights:

• Bans the use of BPA in children’s feeding products including baby bottles, sippy cups, baby food, and infant formula (largely because infants and children are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of BPA).
• Requires the FDA to issue a revised safety assessment on BPA by December 1, 2012.
• Includes a savings clause to allow states to enact stronger legislation.

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