The Red, White, and Green

Photo via Flickr: Beth Nazario

Well, it’s official: Maryland has become the fifth state to ban the use of toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in children’s products, including baby bottles and sippy cups. Governor Martin O’Malley signed the bill into law on Tuesday, after the legislation passed unanimously in both chambers of the General Assembly earlier this year.

Aside from being a political victory for eco org Environmental Working Group, whose experts testified before both Maryland Senate and House of Delegates committees in support of this legislation, it’s also a personal one: EWG President Ken Cook is a Maryland resident, and has a 2-year-old son. (I’m sure Mr. Cook is very diligent about buying BPA-free products for his family, but I’ll bet it’s nice to know that his fellow parents will have some peace of mind.)

Other states with BPA bans include Connecticut, Minnesota, Washington state, and Wisconsin. The city of Chicago, as well as three counties in New York state, have also passed restrictions as well.

The Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009, which would restrict BPA in canned food and other packaging at the federal level, is currently in committee in both the House and Senate.

–Jennifer Grayson

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