Concerns Over Chemical Found in Plastic Bottles Prompts Congressional Action and Lawsuits

Halli Brownfield

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A chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA) commonly found in plastic bottles may cause a variety of health problems. Numerous studies have documented the presence of BPA in human tissue and blood. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that almost 93 percent of those tested had detectable levels of BPA in their urine. Chilren had the highest levels. Studies indicate that exposure to BPA may be harmful.

Concerns over this chemical has prompted both Congress and state legislatures to consider regulation and/or bans of the chemical. California, for example, is considering legislation that would ban all but trace amounts of the chemical in containers designed to be used by children under three years of age. At the federal level, legislation has also been proposed that includes bans of the chemicals use in certain products. Lawsuits have also been filed against the makers of products containing BPA.

The plastics industry vigorously disputes the allegation that BPA is harmful to human health. This industry has resisted and will continue to assert strong opposition to any attempt to regulate its use.

The following links provide more information about BPA:

http://www.justice.org/publications/trial/0808/news01.aspx

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/08/11/california-bisphenol.html