SUFFOLK FIRST IN NATION TO BAN TOXIC BABY BOTTLES

Legislator Stern’s proposal bans the sale of baby bottles and toddler cups containing BPA

(L-R) Karen Joy Miller, Director, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern

HUNTINGTON, NY – The Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved Legislator Steve Stern’s (D-Huntington) groundbreaking legislation to protect babies and toddlers from ingesting the synthetic estrogen Bisphenol-A (BPA), contained in hard plastics used in baby bottles and “sippy” cups designed for young children.

The legislation was supported by medical professionals and public health and environmental advocates. Suffolk County is believed to be the first jurisdiction in the nation to ban the sale of infant and toddler drinking items that contain BPA. “Suffolk County has always taken the lead in protecting public health,” Legislator Stern said. “We must follow the precautionary principle and be pro-active, especially when the health of our most vulnerable citizens, our babies and young children, is at risk and safe alternatives are available. This legislation will help reduce unnecessary exposure to a substance linked with multiple health risks.”

BPA has been linked to endocrine and hormonal abnormalities in babies and young children and is detectable in 93% of the population. Numerous independent scientific studies have shown that leaching of BPA has serious health consequences such as neurobehavioral disorders, including hyperactivity and learning disorders, disorders of the prostate and uterus, links to heart disease, abnormal liver function and diabetes and increased susceptibility to breast and prostate cancer.

“This new law is an important initiative that will re-shape environmental policy and will serve as an example for the entire nation,” according to Karen Joy Miller, Director of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition-Prevention is the Cure.” “BPA is linked to abnormalities of the male reproductive system, early puberty and obesity. This measure will help protect future generations.”

There are safe alternatives to BPA. Mass market retailers such as Babies “R” Us have removed infant and toddler products containing BPA from their shelves and Canada has also banned the sale of such products. ‘We have never been afraid of challenging the status quo, particularly when it comes to the priority of ensuring our children’s health,” Legislator Stern said. “We strongly believe that this new law will have a significant impact in protecting the health of our young children by removing products containing BPA from the store shelves in our community.”