Working for an end to BPA exposure
More and more evidence shows that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is harmful to children’s health. Yet manufacturers still use BPA in products such as baby bottles, infant formula cans, and other food containers.
In the February 2010 legislative session, OEC joined doctors, parents, children’s advocates, environmentalists and faith communities in a common cause: to end use of toxic bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and food containers, where it exposes our most vulnerable citizens to harm.
The bill failed, one vote short of passing the Senate. But Oregon’s citizens remain concerned, and our coalition remains committed. We won’t rest until all children are protected from unnecessary exposure to risky chemicals.
Scientific evidence grows
Even as Oregon’s Senators held hearings, more science emerged worldwide to show how BPA interferes in body systems from brain function to reproduction. Dr. Catherine Thomasson explained to a Senate committee how tiny amounts of BPA can mimic a hormone, creating risks as varied as cancer, obesity, reproductive problems, heart disease, diabetes, liver abnormalities, and even attention deficit disorder (see video). Physician and Oregon Senator Alan Bates testified, “In the last three or four years, the evidence has become pretty straightforward. If anyone has had a chance to read some of the things we’re seeing in young children…it’s quite concerning, and pretty closely linked to bisphenol A.” (see video)
Opposition from industry
Dr. Steve Hentges of the American Chemistry Council paid visits to Salem to testify, even as he hopped flights to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, Wisconsin and other states considering BPA bans. The chemical industry wants to protect the multi-billion-dollar BPA market. Dr. Hentges argued that state lawmakers should not take the lead where federal regulators have failed to pass restrictions. Other testimony came from grocery, canning and formula manufacturers, all concerned about restrictions on their industries. See more about American Chemistry Council lobbying. Yet Senator Hass asked the lobbyists to confirm what he knew to be true: not one Oregon job or business would be lost because of this bill.
Moms take the stand
On February 4th, parents and children sat elbow-to-elbow with lobbyists in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Some parents were there to testify, others to witness (including Andrea Paluso, pictured left). Oregon moms Lisa Frack (see video) and Susan Beal made strong cases for an end to BPA in formula containers and baby bottles. Their testimony – and that from health professionals and scientists – passed the measure out of committee on to the Senate.
Media takes notice
Our goal for a ban on BPA in children’s food containers is to protect Oregon’s citizens. We also want to keep the pressure on for federal action to protect babies nationwide from unnecessary risk. Media stories helped keep up the momentum. The story of Oregon’s BPA ban was featured on OPB’s talk out loud, in editorials and guest opinion pieces across the state, in blogs and even in national media. See media wrap-up.
An end to the 2010 Oregon bill
Testimony from Senators Hass, Dingfelder, Bates and Edwards made a strong case for our bill on the Senate floor. But in the end, 15 Senators voted for the bill, and 15 against (see votes). Speculative concerns about the bill's effects on industry won out over concerns about children’s health, and the measure failed.
The effort continues
Oregon’s efforts might be over until 2011, but efforts across the nation continue. Bills restricting BPA from children’s food containers are on their way to law in Wisconsin, Washington and in other states. California is making moves to list BPA as a chemical “known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects.” Federal bills have also been introduced, and the FDA is doing what it can under its current constraints to limit BPA exposure. And thanks to pressure from states like Oregon, we’re keeping industry noses to the grindstone to find safer alternatives for can linings, food packing, baby bottles and sippy cups.
What you can do
Until our chemical regulations catch up to current science, it’s up to citizens to find ways to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Learn more about BPA and how to avoid it
- Stay tuned to our Healthy Kids Network for tips and updates
- Spread the word to friends and family via Facebook.
- Support national efforts for safer chemical laws
- Let your legislator know how you feel about their vote.
