Maryland lawmakers are joining 20 other states in considering a ban on BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. The House has already passed the legislation and the Senate plans to take up the measure any day. See a story I wrote in today's Sun.
Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is a chemical that mimmicks estrogen and has been linked to developmental problems in babies and reproductive problems in women, among other problems.
And it's in a lot of our food packaging beyong baby bottles. It's in the lining of most of the metal cans on grocery shelves. It's in soda can and a lot of plastic water bottles. It's also on retail receipts.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say it's found in more than 90 percent of Americans. Officials at the Food and Drug Administration, in a reversal, recently said they had "concern" about BPA and have helped form a task force to study the chemical. Results are due in 18 months to two years.
The delay is why states are moving ahead on their own, though they are only addressing the baby bottles and sippy cups because babies are considered the most vulnerable population.
In the meantime, the government and comsumer groups say people should not use scratched bottles or use glass. Avoid cans by buying frozen vegetables and boxed soups. Tomatoes are especially acidic and may leach more BPA out of cans. Wash your hands after touching the receipts. Consumers can also buy containers marked BPA-free, though consumer groups have found trace amounts in some of these products.
The Washington Post said in a story today that the industry is working on alternatives, and have found them for plastic. They are having a harder time finding a replacement for metal can liners. BPA adds to container durability and improves the shelf life and safety of food, manufacturers say.
Getty Images Photo