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Multnomah County Considers Ban on BPA

By: NWHF Staff | Posted on: October 14th, 2011 | Share:
Categories: Environmental Health • Disparities • Policies & Laws • Public Health

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic hormone that is widely used to make hard plastic and epoxy resin. BPA makes plastic clear and rigid in water bottles, baby bottles and reusable food containers, and is also used in the lacquer that lines food cans, formula cans and soda cans.

In September 2008, the National Toxicology Program concluded that there is “some concern” about brain, behavior, and prostate effects in children who are exposed to BPA at current exposure levels. A 2004 national study estimates that BPA is detectable in the bodies of 93% of people in the U.S. over the age of six.  The National Institute of Health’s take on BPA can be found here.

Emerging science, along with efforts by organizations like the Oregon Environmental Council, have led to increased public awareness and calls to ban this toxic chemical. And while the practice of making plastic products with BPA-leaching plastic is almost a thing of the past, there are still many products – including baby bottles, sippy cups and sport water bottles – for sale to the public. 

Multnomah County is one jurisdiction considering policy solutions to reduce exposure to this potentially harmful chemical.

For more information, a briefing to the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will be held on October 18th at 10 a.m. Public testimony will be delivered then and at a second hearing on Oct. 27.

UPDATE: At the October 27 hearing, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously today to ban sippy cups, baby bottles and reusable sports bottles made with BPA.
It was the first county in the state to regulate products made with Bispenol A.