Jun 24, 2008 10:34 am US/Central
Aldermen Want Chemical Banned From Baby Products
Studies Have Shown BPA Plastics Can Leech Out, Cause Medical Problems
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Two Chicago aldermen are leading a charge for a citywide ban a chemical linked to hormonal defects from plastics found in baby products.
Bisphenol-A, or BPA for short, is an organic compound that has been used as a component in polycarbonate plastics for more than 50 years. Baby bottles are among the items in which they have been used.
In a test last year, a coalition of American and Canadian environmental groups tested six of the most popular brands of bottles and found that when they were exposed to high heat -- a condition that simulates normal wear and tear and washing -- the chemical was released into the milk or formula inside.
Some public health experts say bisphenol-A puts babies at risk for health problems, including reproductive and developmental defects, and down the road maybe even breast or prostate cancer. The chemical mimics estrogen and can disrupt the endocrine system.
Aldermen Edward Burke (14th) and Manny Flores (1st) have proposed an ordinance which would ban baby products containing BPA plastics.
"I have a young son, Teddy, who is 2 years old, and unfortunately, we were unaware of the potential risks of BPA when we were using baby bottles and other food products where this chemical is found," Flores said. "But frankly, I've heard from a lot of other mothers and parents recently, and that was one of the reasons for introducing the legislation."
The American Plastics Council calls it a "myth" that baby bottles will degrade after being washed in the dishwasher and leach out amounts of BPA that would be harmful.
But environmental groups disagree, and say parents should try to reduce infants' exposure using glass bottles and products that clearly state they do not contain BPA.
Plastic bottles have recycling symbols marked with a number embossed on the bottom, and Flores said if the number on the bottom is a 7, the plastic contains BPA. He also suggested the
Z Recommends blog for alternatives to BPA plastics.
In addition, Canada has moved to ban BPA plastics, and Wal-Mart, Toys 'R' Us and some other retailers have voluntarily stopped carrying them, Flores said.
"This is a great concern to us, and we believe that knowing that we have this information in our possession, we have a responsibility to move forward and act responsibly, and I think this legislation does that," Flores said.
A City Council hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 8.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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