US senator to propose ban on bisphenol A

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US senator to propose ban on bisphenol A

23 April 2008 17:56 [source: ICIS news]

US Senator Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) will propose legislation

banning the sale of children's products and food containers containing

bisphenol A (BPA), possibly before the end of the week, the

legislator's office said on Wednesday.

As justification for the ban, the senator cited the National

Toxicology Program's draft report, published on 14 April.

The draft linked certain forms of cancer and developmental defects to

high doses of BPA, a chemical used to manufacture polycarbonate (PC),

and advised further study of low-dosage effects.

Studies have shown that BPA can leach out of PC bottles and the

linings of food containers when exposed to heat or harsh detergents.

" It's better to be safe than sorry, " the senator said through his

office. " There's enough warning signs to show the need to act sooner

than later. "

Schumer also joined the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce in

calling on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review its

decision that BPA was safe.

The senator's proposal follows the Canadian government's announcement

that PC baby products could be banned in the country despite its own

findings that infants are not in danger from the BPA levels currently

found in baby care products.

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