Curry: Let’s give our tots a toxin-free start in life

Reintroduces his bill to ban BPA from infant and toddler products
 
HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – Bisphenol-A (BPA) can be dangerous to babies, and that is why state Rep. Lawrence Curry is continuing his fight to ban the chemical from infant and toddler products in Pennsylvania.
 
Curry, D-Montgomery/Phila., has reintroduced his bill that would prohibit the use of BPA in baby bottles and other child care items and toys.
 
“The threat of BPA to our children is real, and inaction is inexcusable,” Curry said. “When bottles containing BPA are warmed, the chemical can leach into the formula putting our children at risk.”
 
BPA is an estrogen-like chemical that is added to hard, clear, durable plastics such as water bottles that are made out of polycarbonates. It can be found in baby bottles, training cups and formula cans. It has been linked to:
 
•Autism and learning and behavioral problems;
•Early puberty;
•Obesity, heart disease and diabetes;
•Prostate and breast cancer.
 
Studies have shown BPA leached from baby bottles subjected to simulated normal uses including washing with a brush and putting into a dishwasher. Even plastic tableware was found to release BPA in hot vegetable soup.
 
“While I am encouraged that as public awareness to this problem grows the plastics industry is taking steps to make BPA-free baby products, I feel legislation is necessary to be absolutely sure we are not putting toxins into our infants and toddlers,” Curry said.
 
In addition to banning the use of BPA in baby products, Curry’s H.B. 192 would also prohibit manufacturers from replacing BPA with various other reproductive toxicants that could cause birth defects or harm the growth and development of infants and toddlers.
 
Curry’s H.B. 192 has bipartisan support and is currently under consideration in the House Consumer Affairs Committee.

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