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Photo Credit: Tom Adriaenssen

January 1^st marked the beginning of the end to the use of the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA). The chemical is used in many common household products including clear, plastic water bottles, baby bottles, some re-usable food containers and plastic wraps. While BPA is one of the most frequently produced chemicals produced in the world, there has been an increase in research studies demonstrating the serious health concerns surrounding the chemical. BPA has been found to be linked to cancer, heart disease, obesity, reproductive failures and hyperactivity in laboratory animals. It is a hormone-disrupting chemical and as such can have health effects at extremely low exposure levels.

Scientists are particularly concerned about the effects of BPA on fetuses, infants and young children, who frequently show higher concentrations of BPA than adults or adolescents and are more likely to be harmed by exposure to the chemical. Minnesota has put an end to this concern, as it is the first U.S. state to ban BPA-laden products intended for infants or young children.

Following Minnesota’s footsteps are four other states that are currently working towards a similar ban, as well as two bills calling for a national ban on BPA in children’s products that have already been introduced to Congress. Baby bottle manufactures, including Gerber, Playtex and Avent responded to their customers concerns up to a year ago and have also joined the BPA ban for their products.

While this ban is a much-needed progressive step in the right direction, there are still many products that contain the harmful chemical. Baby bottles and sippy cups only represent a fraction of the many BPA-laden products that children are exposed to. Until the ban on BPA expands nationally and extends to all products containing the chemical, we must take action in our own lives by avoiding plastic materials that pose health risks.

To read more about Minnesota’s ban on BPA, click here.