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Representative Edward Markey (Democrat) continues with his fight against bisphenol A - BPA - by introducing a bill banning the use of the hazardous chemical substance in food and drink containers, said The Boston Globe.

Markey's bill, noted The Boston Globe, seeks to ban BPA in all reusable containers as well as in the plastic lining of canned foods and disposable containers and to mandate that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) look at other substances in beverage and food containers, limiting use if the agency finds that they present a health risk.

"Feeding time for babies should be laced with love not laced with chemicals. Parents have enough to worry about without wondering if the bottles they use to feed their children are safe or if the can of formula they have warmed up is harmful to their health," Markey said in a statement, quoted The Boston Globe. "This legislation will help keep BPA out of our bodies while also ensuring that all food and beverage containers are free from dangerous chemicals," Markey added.

During Congress's last session, The Boston Globe explained, the House passed a food safety bill containing the Representative's provision concerning the FDA's study of BPA; however, that provision was removed from the Senate's version.

Several countries - Canada, France, and Denmark - have banned BPA in baby bottles and several states and entities limit the toxin's use.

Trade group, the American Chemistry Council's Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group, not surprisingly disagreed with legislation restricting the chemical saying, "Regulatory agencies around the world, including FDA, have evaluated the science and support the safety of BPA in materials for food contact products, including products intended for use by children," said Steve Hentges, quoted The Boston Globe.

In fact, hundreds of studies have linked BPA to toxic injury and life threatening ailments, including cardiovascular disease, intestinal problems, brain cell connection interference, increased risks of reproductive and immune system diseases and disorders, problems with liver function testing, interruptions in chemotherapy, and premature puberty. We have also long written about BPA's links to PCOS, female fertility issues, erectile dysfunction, and male sexual problems.

Most recently, in response to mounting consumer concern and what Sustainable Business described as "Congressional inaction," legislators from 30 states and the District of Columbia announced legislation to protect Americans from dangerous chemicals, including BPA. Although industry has funded heavy opposition, 18 state legislatures passed 71 chemical safety laws since 2008 with "overwhelming, bipartisan margin," wrote Sustainable Business. More passages are expected in 2011.

Despite tremendous public support for increased regulation concerning toxic chemicals, Congress has acted on the side of industry. But, policies under consideration this year in the state legislatures include comprehensive laws in nine states to change chemical regulation at the state level and BPA phase-outs in at least 17 states, to name just two.

BPA is a plastic hardening chemical whose ubiquity is legendary.