Public Health Council Approves Limited Ban on Plastic Products Containing BPA Sold in Massachusetts

BOSTON - The state Public Health Council today approved new regulations that ban the production or sale of reusable food and beverage containers containing Bisphenol-A (BPA) intended for use by toddlers and infants, such as sippy cups and baby bottles.

Bisphenol-A is a chemical in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins widely used to produce food containers, including baby bottles, spill-proof cups and infant formula packaging. A significant number of studies have raised concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to BPA - particularly for infants, nursing and formula-fed children and children developing in pregnant women.

"We are taking this action as a precautionary measure," said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. "Our goal is to protect our most vulnerable residents - our children - in the light of mounting scientific evidence about the potential dangers of BPA."

Possible health effects from exposure to BPA include but are not limited to: changes in the infant's developing nervous system, such as thyroid function and brain growth; changes in behavioral development, such as hyperactivity; and changes in the normal development of the prostate gland.

Studies have shown that BPA is more likely to leach out of BPA-containing bottles or cups when filled with hot liquids or foods. Infants may be exposed to BPA from formula or milk consumed in BPA-containing baby bottles sterilized by hot water or when hot water is added directly to the BPA-containing bottle or cup. The ban is focused on products intended for use by children three years of age and under.

In August 2009, DPH issued a consumer advisory that warned pregnant women and mothers of young children to avoid the use of products containing BPA for making or storing infant formula and breast milk. Also in 2009, six of the largest U.S. manufacturers of baby bottles announced that they will no longer sell bottles made with BPA. Leading retailers including Walmart, CVS, Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, Target and Safeway have already phased out the sale of baby bottles with BPA, or are in the process of doing so now.

Massachusetts is now the eighth state to institute some type of ban on BPA in consumer products.

# # #