Stores, manufacturers back away from BPA
Above: Nalgene bottles, which have historically contained BPA.
A chemical found in polycarbonate drink bottles, “microwave-safe” food containers and baby bottles has come under fire for its potential health effects.
The chemical, bisphenol-a, or BPA, is facing increasing scrutiny by U.S. and Canadian health officials.
Nalgene pledged last week to stop using polycarbonate, its signature tough-as-nails material, though it still says bisphenol-a is safe. Playtex also said it would stop. Toys “R” Us said yesterday that it would phase out its offending baby bottles. Last week, Wal-Mart said it would do the same.
Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and Sen. Loretta Weinberg have proposed legislation that would prohibit the sale, in New Jersey, of toys and childcare products that contain bisphenol-a and force manufacturers to use an alternative. It awaits action in the state legislature.
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