My Congressman Thinks There's Something Up

From: Congressman Peter DeFazio
Subject: Reply from Congressman Peter DeFazio
Date: April 28, 2010 10:34:40 AM PDT
To: Sundance General Email
Dear Mr. ResSeguie:

Thank you for your recent message concerning H.R. 6228, the Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2008. I appreciate hearing from you. We are in complete agreement.

As you may know this bill would ban the toxic substance Bisphenol A from all food and beverage containers. Bisphenol A is an additive used in polycarbonate plastic products which is found in everything from baby bottles to DVD's to many popular canned foods and sodas. Recent studies by the US Centers for Disease Control showed that over 93 percent of people aged 6 and over have traces of Bisphenol A in their blood. There have also been recent reports of studies showing a connection between Bisphenol A and breast and prostate cancer, miscarriages and brain damage. Of particular concern is infants who use baby bottles that use Bisphenol A, as we are still uncertain of how a quickly a child can metabolize the chemical.

While the Bush Administrations recently announced that the chemical was safe, we now find out that the studies they used to determine this were sponsored by the plastics industry and have been roundly criticized for its flawed methodology. Furthermore legislation to ban BPA has been introduced in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Also, some retailers like Wal Mart and Toys R Us have announced they will phase out selling baby bottles using Bisphenol A.

I myself recently threw away all my water bottles containing Bisphenol A and bought safer alternatives which are available at a comparable price.

When Congress reconvenes in September, I will add myself as a cosponsor to this legislation. Thanks again for contacting me and please keep in touch.