Baby bottle bill almost to governor's desk!

More than 150 independent studies have linked bisphenol A (BPA) to breast and prostate cancer, sexual dysfunction, diabetes and a wide range of other adverse health effects. Earlier this year, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agreed with the National Toxicology Program that there is reason for "concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children."

Unfortunately, BPA is found frequently in baby bottles, sippy cups and other food and beverage containers used by children under the age of three. That's why Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson has been working for years to ban BPA in these products, and today just might be the day she can declare victory.

The House voted 96-1 to approve the Safe Baby Bottle Bill. The ban on baby food and drink containers manufactured with BPA would take effect in July, 2011, and would be followed a year later by a ban on BPA-containing sports bottles, which are often used by pregnant women.

Maryland and Wisconsin banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups earlier this year. Connecticut and Minnesota enacted BPA bans in 2009.

(Photo: Washington Toxics Coalition)