BPA limits can’t wait for federal action

In response to a request submitted over three years ago, the Food and Drug Administration made a disappointing announcement last month: They will continue to allow unregulated amounts of the toxic chemical bisphenol A in food containers

Many of the world’s top scientists agree that BPA is a hormone-mimicking chemical that can harm health at extremely low exposure levels and is especially harmful to pregnant women, babies and children. Unfortunately, this chemical can be found in countless consumer products, including the lining of infant formula cans.

The FDA’s decision underscores the failure of federal regulation to protect public health from toxics chemicals. Under immense pressure from chemical manufacturers, the FDA has repeatedly failed to restrict the use of this chemical despite an ever-growing list of studies showing harm. Clearly we can’t wait for action from federal regulators. Ultimately we must fundamentally reform our nation’s toxics policies to shift the burden of ensuring safety to chemical manufacturers. And we should require them to demonstrate that safety before chemicals go on the market.

Until then, it seems, it’s up to state governments to protect their citizens from known toxic chemical threats. That’s why 11 states have already banned BPA in high-risk products. For our children, we should do the same in Illinois.

State Rep. Elaine Nekritz

57th District

Northbrook

Brian Imus

State director

Illinois PIRG

Chicago