Chicago bans BPA products for kids

CHICAGO (WISH) - The Chicago City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to make the city the first in the nation to ban the chemical BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups.

The move follows an extensive I-Team 8 investigation two years ago that revealed an environmental watchdog group was raising alarm about the common chemical; Bisphenol, also known as BPA.

The I-Team 8 investigation found the chemical was in the plastic lining of canned foods, plastic sippy cups, even baby bottles.
Independent studies have found even low doses of BPA can cause cancer, infertility and birth defects.

"That's unbelievable, that's very concerning," said Beth Milburn a concerned parent.

Growing public concern coupled with a growing body of research led the Chicago City Council to ban the sale of any food or drink container with BPA intended for children under 3.

Chicago aldermen hope to send a message to the FDA which insists small amounts of BPA are not dangerous.

"They refuse to pay attention to the independent research that has linked BPA exposure to harmful health effects and instead they are listening to the chemical industry and the plastic industry," said Chicago Alderman Manny Flores of the 1st Ward.

Joanne Sanders, the Democratic leader of the Indianapolis City-County Council said, "I commend the Chicago Council for having done this. I think it's very important that we recognize that the verdict is not out yet on plastics.”

Might councilors in Indy follow the windy city's lead?

Sanders said, "I will be happy to explore it more now that I see that there's a precedent set in Chicago and see where we can go with it."

Because of public concern, many manufacturers of baby products are marketing BPA free products. Be sure that it's marked BPA-Free.

Although many retailers including Wal-Mart, Toys 'R' Us, and CVS have vowed to stop selling bottles and containers with BPA, the chemical is still being used.

If it's a hard clear container and has a triangle stamp with a seven on the bottom, the plastic likely contains BPA.