06/28/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Tara Monks // Tara Monks
Albany, NY – Lawmakers and environmentalist are pushing to finalize a bill that would ban the chemical bisphenol-A in products for young children, such as sippy-cups and pacifiers, as reported by The Journal News. The legislation passed the Senate and Assembly unanimously last week, and is awaiting Gov. David Paterson’s signature.
Bisphenol-A, or BPA is used in producing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. The chemical is used with epoxy resins to coat metal products like canned foods and bottle tops as well.
BPA mimics estrogen and disrupts the endocrine system. The chemical has been linked to breast and prostate cancer, early onset of puberty and polycystic ovary syndrome. Studies have found that BPA exposure can negatively affect fetuses and newborns, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
If the legislation is signed by the governor, it will prohibit the manufacture, distribution and sale of BPA in products for children aged three and younger. It will take effect December 1.
A spokesman for the governor said Patterson plans to speak with opponents and proponents to the bill before signing.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allocated $30 million for research on BPA, after reporting concern of its use. Some of the funds will be used for the development of alternatives to BPA for lining infant-formula cans as well.
Some 18 other states are considering passing similar legislation.
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