Safe Baby Bottle Act

UPDATE: Victory! Governor Gregoire signed the Safe Baby Bottle Act into law March 19, 2010. Read more.

More and more evidence shows that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is harmful to children’s health. Yet manufacturers can still legally use BPA in products such as baby bottles, infant formula cans, and other food containers.

That's why WTC is supporting the Safe Baby Bottle Act (HB 1180/ SB 6248), legislation to protect our children and the environment by phasing out BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups, sports water bottles, and other children's food and beverage containers.

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What Is BPA?

BPA was developed as a synthetic sex hormone but is now used in common household materials, including some clear, rigid plastic water bottles, baby bottles, reusable food containers, and food cans. It is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced in the world.

BPA Harms Children’s Health

BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical that can have health effects at extremely low exposure levels. Laboratory studies have linked BPA to cancer, miscarriage, obesity, reproductive problems, and hyperactivity.

Testing in 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found 93 percent of Americans age 6 and up were exposed to BPA. Children in the study had the highest levels of BPA, followed by teens and adults.

There Is A Better Way

Fortunately, it is possible to make bottles and other food containers without BPA. Companies such as Nalgene, Playtex, and Eden foods have all started using BPA-free alternatives. Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us have also pledged to stop selling baby bottles containing BPA.

In 2008, Canada became the first government in the world to conclude BPA is hazardous to human health, and to announce plans to ban BPA in baby bottles. Many states will consider legislation to eliminate BPA from children’s products in 2009, including Oregon, California, Minnesota, New York, Connecticut, and Maine.

Washington Must Continue To Lead

Washington State has established itself as a national leader in protecting children from toxic chemicals. Last year, it enacted the nation’s strongest standards for toxic chemicals in toys. This leadership directly led to the U.S. Congress passing legislation banning lead and phthalates in children’s toys.
We can’t stop now! Please support SSB 5282, the Safe Baby Bottle Act of 2009!

The Safe Baby Bottle Act of 2009 SSB 5282

Specifically, the Safe Baby Bottle Act of 2009 does the following:

• Protects children’s health by prohibiting the use of BPA in baby bottles and children’s food containers.The bill prohibits the sale or manufacture of food and beverage containers containing BPA that are intended for children under 3, such as baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula cans, beginning July 1, 2010.The bill also prohibits the sale of sports water bottles containing BPA beginning July 1, 2010.
• Ensures other harmful chemicals are not used as a substitute for BPA in baby bottles and children’s food and beverage containers. The bill prevents manufacturers from using other toxic chemicals that are just as bad or worse than BPA when replacing it in children’s food and beverage containers.
• Allows further state action on food containers containing BPA if safer alternatives are available.The bill requires the Department of Ecology to study whether safer alternatives to BPA exist for use in all food and beverage containers, such as food and beverage cans and plastic containers, by July 1, 2012.If the Department of Ecology determines safer alternatives exist for a particular product, they are required, after conducting a public process and submitting a report to the legislature, to adopt rules banning BPA in that product.

• Gives consumers and policy makers information on health and economic impacts of BPA and its alternative chemicals.The bill requires manufacturers using BPA in a food or beverage containers to provide information on the health and environmental impacts of BPA and its alternatives, cost and feasibility of switching to an alternative chemical, and the reason BPA is used in the product.

Washington State has the opportunity to continue leading the nation in protecting our children and the environment from harmful toxic chemicals by eliminating BPA from baby bottles and other food containers. Please support SSB 5282, the Safe Baby Bottle Act of 2009!