Governor Signs the Infants and Toddlers Act to Protect Children from BPA
Sacramento - Landmark legislation to protect the health of children has been signed by Governor Jerry Brown. With the approval of the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act (AB 1319), authored by Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Marina del Rey), families from all communities will now have access to safe, non-toxic baby products as California joins ten other states and multiple counties in banning the toxic chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby products.
"After years of fighting to ban BPA, the health of our children has prevailed and California will finally join other states and countries in recognizing the significant danger this toxic chemical poses," said Assemblymember Butler. "Despite intense opposition, the parents, environmentalists and health advocates who fought to ban BPA knew they were on the right side of the issue and persevered. Together we overcame powerful interests to protect our future generations."
With the signing of AB 1319, California law will now prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of baby bottles and sippy cups that contain more than 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) of BPA.
BPA is an artificial hormone and endocrine disruptor widely used in shatter-proof plastic baby bottles and sippy cups. BPA leaches out of containers and into food and drink. It has been linked to a host of health problems, including early puberty, breast and prostate cancer, infertility, obesity and neurological and behavioral changes, including autism and hyperactivity.
"Shear moxie and persistence by our champions in Sacramento and their supporters across the state made this day possible," said Renee Sharp, the California director for Environmental Working Group. "This time, care for the health and wellbeing of California's children trumped the money and influence of the chemical lobby."
AB 1319 was supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics of California, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the California Medical Association and the California Nurses Association as well as numerous other environmental and children's organizations.
"This law is an important step forward in protecting Californians from numerous adverse health effects caused from BPA in food containers. We are delighted that now California is in step with other countries and states in limiting children's exposure to this toxic chemical," said Elisa Odabashian, West Coast Director of Consumers Union, the Advocacy Division of Consumer Reports.
With AB 1319 becoming law, California will join ten other states that have enacted bans on BPA in baby bottles and other feeding products for children. BPA has been banned in China, Canada and the European Union.
"California has taken a long overdue step in giving every child from every community in our state the access to safe products they deserve. I am proud to have carried this fight in the Legislature and give a voice to our children," concluded Assemblymember Butler.
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Assemblymember Betsy Butler represents California's 53rd Assembly District, comprised of the communities of El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey and portions of the City of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Jennifer Wonnacott, (310) 615-3515
