FDA Announces BPA “Chemical of Concern”

Bolsters Case for State Action On BPA Free Kids Act

WISPIRG

Madison, WI – In an announcement today, the Food and Drug Administration registered concern about the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), commonly found in baby bottles and sippy cups, for “the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children.” 

“We’re glad that the FDA came out and registered concern about this toxic chemical,” said Bruce Speight, WISPIRG Director.  “Our children should not be guinea pigs.  Fortunately, Wisconsin lawmakers are taking decisive action by having introduced the BPA Free Kids Act, which would protect our kids and ban this toxic chemical from baby bottles and sippy cups made and sold in Wisconsin.  We urge the state to pass the BPA Free Kids Act without delay.”

BPA is an industrial chemical linked to cancer, early onset diabetes, hyperactivity, and obesity.   A synthetic sex hormone, BPA disrupts the endocrine system, which regulates growth and development in children’s bodies.  Numerous scientific studies have shown that exposure to even tiny doses of BPA may lead to serious adverse health effects. 

States and cities have taken action to protect children from this toxic chemical.  Last year, both Connecticut and Minnesota passed legislation banning BPA in children’s products.  In October 2008, Canada’s national health agency classified bisphenol A as toxic, and is now implementing a nationwide ban on bisphenol A in baby bottles. The city of Chicago has taken action on BPA as well. 

A variety of public health, environmental, and childrens’ organizations, including the Wisconsin Nurses Assocaition, Wisconsin Parent-Teacher Association, Wisconsin Public Health Association, Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Clean Wisconsin and Wisconsin Environment, have urged the state to take action on BPA by supporting the BPA Free Kids Act.  

“Toxic chemicals have no place being in children’s products,” concluded Speight.  “Parents should be able to shop for baby bottles and sippy cups without fear of exposing their children to toxic chemicals.”