Baby bottles and non-spill sippy cups designed for children under the age of five could no longer contain the plastic hardening chemical Bisphenol-A, under legislation being considered by lawmakers at the Capitol.
State Representative Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison) says the bill is designed to protect children from a chemical that some studies have shown can have a negative impact on the development of young children and infants. She says it mimics estrogen, and has been linked to a number of health problems in laboratory animals.
Industry experts claim the negative health effects of BPA remain unproven. Dr. Steve Hentges with the American Chemical Council told a legislative panel Wednesday that thousands of studies have looked at the chemical, and they’ve lead most governments around the world to conclude it’s not dangerous.
However, Roys says there are clearly concerns about its continued use in products for children, since many major companies have started making products that are labeled as BPA free. She says parents shouldn’t have to worry about if a product being used to feed their children is safe.
The bill is currently being considered by an Assembly committee.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:17)
