by Scott Hendrick
Many of us wonder what chemicals are in our food and drink. But now, people are trying to determine if the chemicals that go into our plates and cups are harmful.
Bisphenol-A, also known as BPA, is a chemical that has been long used in several plastics, including baby bottles and water bottles. Although this chemical is approved by the FDA, some organizations have disputed the FDA's claims. Just last week, a study was released in US News and World Report that linked heart disease and diabetes to BPA and several news stories appeared to question the FDA's continued approval of the chemical.
Because of the controversy, state legislatures have started to deal with this issue across the country. Today, 41 measures have been proposed in 13 states across the country related to BPA. Some 33 of those bills would ban BPA in consumer products. Other legislatures want more information on the safety concerns and 7 bills call for studies into risks associated with BPA or investigations of safer alternatives. And 1 bill in New Jersey would require labeling of products (plastic wrap for food) containing BPA. On Capitol Hill, there currently are 2 bills in Congress that address BPA standards.
No state currently restricts the use of BPA in consumer products.
This has become an issue as consumer product safety legislation has gained momentum in the states and in Washington, D.C. Several legislatures have recently acted to limit lead and other potentially dangerous chemicals in consumer products. In July, Congress passed a consumer product safety bill that restricts the use of phthalates, a group of chemicals used to soften plastics, and lowers the level of lead in other consumer products.
Because the federal bill did not address BPA, states have room to pass their own regulations. As debate over the prudence of using BPA in consumer products is likely to extend into 2009, we can all expect to see continued debate around this issue in state legislatures throughout the country.
Scott Hendrick is a policy associate with NCSL. He covers evnironmental health and agriculture.
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