6 Baby Bottle Makers Ban Bisphenol A — But What About Other Chemicals and Products?

Six major U.S. baby products manufacturers agreed to remove the toxic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles, in an agreement reached with the Connecticut Attorney General.

Said Environmental Working Group, the non-profit research institute that's been advocating BPA-free products, "The action represents a critical breakthrough in protecting infants from the hazards of the synthetic estrogen and plastics component, which leaches easily into formula and food from BPA-laden food packaging.

"The industry agreement effectively recognizes that BPA is too dangerous for infants."

At least as far as baby bottles are concerned. Says EWG, "there is much more to be done. Other states and the federal government must take additional steps to see that this toxic hormone disruptor is removed not only from plastic baby bottles, but from the linings of cans for infant formula and other foods and from other sources of exposure such as sippy cups and bottled water bottles."

“Today’s deal underscores the need for the Congress and the Obama administration to overhaul federal chemicals policy to protect infants and children from exposures to toxic chemicals,” said Environmental Working Group (EWG) Executive Director Richard Wiles.

“When the public is forced to rely on state actions to achieve nationwide protections, we know the federal system is broken,” Wiles said.

In their news release, EWG reports that U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) will soon re-introduce The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act in the Senate, with companion legislation to be offered in the House, according to California Congressman Henry Waxman (D). The legislation proposes a major overhaul of federal toxics chemical law, requiring that manufacturers demonstrate that chemicals are safe for infants and children before they enter the market.

The Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act sets an upper limit of 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) of BPA in bottles and cups. The measure also proposes to bar can linings and jars found to leach 0.1 ppb or more of BPA into any liquid, food or beverage designed for children 3 and under.