Why Wait To Ban Bisphenol A

I was reading an American article today on various senators calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ban bisphenol A in plastics. Bisphenol A is a chemical used to make clear, hard plastic for products including baby bottles, the lining of cans and water bottles.

The chemical has been linked to a host of medical problems in laboratory animals, including prostate and breast cancer, and neurological disorders.

It seems the U.S, once again, is way ahead of us when it comes to these things. Why are they though? When is comes to the health of our babies we should be leading the way.

Canada, who are even more proactive that the U.S, announced April 18 that it will classify bisphenol A as a toxin and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, will ban the use of the chemical - they did in June. That same week a number of companies, including Wal-Mart and Toys R Us, announced they would be phasing out the use of bisphenol A in their children's products. Nalgene, a manufacturer of sports water bottles, announced that it, too, would discontinue the use of bisphenol A.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't remember any of our politicians chatting about such important issues. Is the health of our children less important than the impending recession?

Andrew