Support the BPA-Free Kids Act of 2009

The major baby bottle manufacturers in the U.S. have switched to
non-BPA plastics. (Photo: M.Adcock)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently expressed heightened concern about the health risks of bisphenol-A, or BPA, a chemical used in the production of many plastic household goods.

Most concerning are the potential effects of BPA on fetuses, infants, and children. The FDA stated that it had, “some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland” regarding these especially vulnerable groups.

BPA can leech into food, baby formula, and breastmilk from scratches in plastic. This can occur when placing very hot liquids in bottles or sippy cups, or heating up containers made with BPA in the microwave. In general, plastics marked with a 7 on the bottom usually contain BPA.

The good news is that the major baby bottle manufacturers have switched to non-BPA plastics, including Avent, Gerber, Dr. Browns, Born Free, Playtex, and Evenflo. However, until all manufacturers of children’s goods stop using plastics with BPA, our children’s health remains at risk.

The BPA-Free Kids Act of 2009
Parents are encouraged to support the passing of The BPA-Free Kids Act of 2009 (S.753) introduced by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Representative Anthony Weiner. The bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of children's food and beverage containers composed of bisphenol-A. Products include items that regularly come into contact with children’s mouths such as baby bottles, sippy cups, bowls, plates and utensils.

According to a newsletter issued by Karen Joy Miller, President of Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Inc., the BPA-Free Kids Act of 2009 “mandates testing and certification by plastics and container manufacturers, and requires that each children’s food and beverage container be labeled as a ‘BPA-Free Product.’ The Consumer Product Safety Commission would be required to test these products to ensure that they are BPA-free. The BPA-Free Kids Act of 2009 will appropriate additional funding for research conducted under the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences that was established in 1966 to reduce human illness caused by hazardous substances in the environment.”

Several Long Island organizations are requesting support from the community to help pass this legislation. The Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Inc., the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB!) and the Learning Disabilities Association of New York State, Inc. ask that people speak about this bill with their families and friends across the country to urge them to contact their congressional leaders to support The BPA-Free Kids Act of 2009.

For more info: To find your local congressional leader, visit writerep.house.gov. Visit www.hbcac.org to learn more about the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Inc. Support the HBCAC by purchasing a new line of jewelry by Embraceable You designed and dedicated to eliminate breast cancer - 30% of sales are donated to HBCAC. Visit www.embraceableyou.org.

Read related article: Product Pick of the Month - Embraceable You:by BeJeweled