Minnesota becomes first state to ban BPA

Minnesota became the first state to ban BPA (bisphenol A) from plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, last week when Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Toxic-Free Kids Act into law, according to Minnesota Public Radio. Earlier this year, Suffolk County, in New York, passed a measure banning the sale of the chemical there. Other states considering similar bans, include California, Connecticut, Michigan, and New York. There is also a bill introduced in Congress that if passed would impose a nationwide ban on the chemical plastic additive in food and beverage containers.

All of this comes on the heels of the Food and Drugs Administration's inaction in the face of growing evidence of health risks posed by BPA—even as some plastic manufacturers and retailers have vowed to stop selling BPA-containing products.

BPA is commonly found in polycarbonate baby bottles and sport bottles as well as in the lining of canned foods. Studies suggest that the chemical can mimic estrogen and may be linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, reproductive abnormalities, and other health problems in children and adults. Canada announced a proposal last April to ban some items containing BPA.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

Take these steps to reduce your family's exposure to BPA.