search
June 18, 2010

Maine may limit use of BPA

By John Richardson jrichardson@mainetoday.com
MaineToday Media State House Writer

The state may ban some uses of a controversial plastic additive as its first "priority chemical" under a new toxic chemical control law.

Maine's Department of Environmental Protection is recommending that bisphenol-A, or BPA, be banned from use in reusable food and beverage containers such as baby bottles and water bottles sold in the state. It also wants to designate BPA as the state's first priority chemical, which would require all manufacturers to notify the state if BPA is in their products and if it may come into contact with children.

Maine's Board of Environmental Protection, which oversees the new chemical rules, voted today to hold a public hearing on the proposal on Aug 19. Written comments will be accepted through Aug. 30.

Bisphenol-A is used to make polycarbonate plastic and is used in the epoxy resins that line food cans, including many infant formula cans, according to the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine. BPA exposure has been linked to a number of health problems, such as ADHD, breast and prostate cancer, reproductive damage, diabetes, and obesity, according to the group.

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send Question/Comment to the Publisher




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most...