by Alicia MacLeay
From the Outdoor Industry Association's WebNews:
Building on concerns raised over the use of bisphenol-A (BPA), Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) has introduced legislation that would ban the use of bisphenol-A in all food and beverage containers. BPA, a chemical used to harden plastics and prevent corrosion in metal cans, "is associated with a broad spectrum of hazardous effects" and "has been shown to leach out of the containers into liquids and foods," according to a press release from Rep. Markey's office.
The proposed legislation, The Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2008, seeks to completely eliminate the use of BPA in all food and beverage containers introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce on or after the date that is 180 days after the bill is enacted. Legislation to ban BPA in children's products as well as food containers is currently pending in the Senate. Its supporters are working to add it to the final version of a larger consumer product safety reform bill currently under consideration in Congress.
Health Canada answers FAQ's about BPA: www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/faq/bisphenol_a_qa-qr_e.html
And here's the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's take on the chemical: www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bpa.html
