Alliance for a Healthy

Tomorrow
An Act prohibiting the use of bisphenol-A in consumer products

Background:
BPA is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world. It is
commonly used to make polycarbonate, which is a hard clear plastic found
in consumer products such as baby bottles and food containers. BPA is also
used to make epoxy resins, which serves as a protective lining on the inside
of cans, and is a coating on cash register receipts. BPA can leach into food,
formula, and beverages, especially when heated. BPA also gathers in
household dust and the air we breathe. BPA has been found in umbilical
cord blood and urine samples, and is known to be an endocrine disrupter. It has been shown to have a
multitude of negative health effects even at low doses. BPA can affect brain and reproductive
development and is linked to several health problems including diabetes, obesity, Downs syndrome
and cancer.
Some manufacturers, such as Campbells soup, are phasing out BPA from their packaging and
products, but not all manufacturers are following suit. In addition, many of the materials that
companies have been using as alternatives have been linked to similar health problems as BPA.
Legislation is needed that will require manufactures to stop using BPA in their products and replace it
with safer alternatives.

Massachusetts Legislation:
An Act prohibiting the use of bisphenol-A in consumer products (SD # 1051 -sponsored by Senator Karen E. Spilka)
This bill will require manufacturers to phase out the use of BPA in childrens products including toys,
cups, bottles, and any container made to be filled with food and/or beverages. The bill also requires
that manufactures use the least toxic alternatives when replacing BPA in their products. The bill
specifies alternatives that are not carcinogens as determined by the EPA.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy
cups in 2009, but many more exposure routes exist. 12 states have already passed bills that require
manufacturers to phase out BPA in consumer products such as childrens products, food containers,
and cash register receipts. Europe and Canada have placed bans on BPA in baby bottles and food
containers. Further restrictions are in the process.

For more information contact

Elizabeth Saunders
esaunders@cleanwater.org
617-338-8131 x203

www.healthytomorrow.org
www.cleanwateraction.org/ma