Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) has introduced the “Ban Poisonous Additives (BPA)” Act to prohibit the use of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) in all food and beverage containers. BPA is prevalent in plastic bottles and most baby bottles and the linings of canned food and beverages, but more than 100 scientific studies have shown that low doses of BPA in animals can lead to increases in cancer, brain damage, altered immune function and other health problems.
“From baby bottles to cans of chicken soup, BPA is present throughout American life,” said Markey, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee with oversight over the Department of Health and Human Services. “But concerns about the effects of BPA on human health have been mounting, and we've reached a point where the risk is simply too high. For the sake of the health of every man, woman and child in America, the best course of action we can take right now is to completely ban BPA in food and beverage containers, especially because there are alternatives already available.”
Some sporting goods retailers and manufacturers began phasing out BPA bottles this spring after the Canadian government recommended banning baby bottles containing BPA. The European Union has also banned certain uses of BPA, which is used as a coating in the linings of food and beverage cans. Concerns rose after studies showed that BPA can leach out of containers into liquids and foods.
Markey's BPA Act will ban BPA in all food and beverage packaging. The bill has been endorsed by the Breast Cancer Fund, Consumers Union, the Environmental Working Group and other non-profits.
