Senate Passes Legislation Ensuring Safe Child Products

Tough measures on the manufacture and sale of child products containing BPA

(Albany, NY) Senator Diane J. Savino announced today passed legislation (S3296H/Thompson) prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, and sale of certain child products containing bisphenol-A (BPA) which are intended for use by or upon a child.
 
The law prohibits the use of BPA in products intended for children three years of age or under.  Child products targeted include pacifiers, unfilled beverage containers, baby bottles, baby bottle liners and cups, cup lids, straws, and sippy cuts.  Provisions in the law lay out civil penalties for violations that occur.
 
The legislation passed 58-0.
 
BPA is an estrogen-mimicking endocrine disrupter chemical used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, and is the main ingredient in hard polycarbonate plastics.  BPA has been linked to breast and prostate cancer, early-onset puberty, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
 
“The presence of BPA in child products has been proven to be disruptive in child development, and can be extremely harmful to their health down the road.  Infants and children are in most danger of this toxin because their bodies are at a crucial stage of growth and development,” said Senator Diane Savino (D-Brooklyn/Staten Island).  

Four counties in New York have enacted local laws restricting the use of BPA in sippy cups and baby bottles.  New York State joins other states in trying to combat child exposure to BPA.  Vermont and Connecticut have enacted similar laws.  In addition, Canada has announced that it is placing strict limits on BPA in infant formula cans, and WalMart Canada has announced that it will immediately stop selling baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, food containers, and water bottles that contain BPA.

“This bill will significantly reduce the risk posed to children by these chemicals by protecting them from exposure in their early years.  I am pleased to be able to help parents protect their babies from toxic poisons that may be in the products that they use every day,” added Senator Savino.
 
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