Rell set to sign BPA ban

New Haven (WTNH) - Gov. Jodi Rell is ready to sign a bill banning Bisphenol A, or BPA, which has been linked to all kinds of health hazards. The ban has been championed by parents and lawmakers alike.

BPA is used in all kinds of containers, especially baby bottles and sippy cups. The chemical has been studied and many believe long term exposure is harmful.

The Food and Drug Administration however, claims it's safe, and supporters from the American Chemistry Council agree. The Council says countries including France, New Zealand and Australia have used BPA for forty years and believe current levels are safe.

Attorneys General from Delaware, New Jersey and Connecticut have sent letters urging companies to make the change, and some companies have agreed to stop making baby bottles with BPA. They include:

• Avent
• Disney First Years
• Dr. Brown
• Evenflo
• Gerber
• Playtex

The ban, which would not take effect until October, 2011, would also include reusable food and drink containers.

The governor will have an official bill signing ceremony Tuesday at a day care center in West Hartford. Similar bills are being considered in California, Michigan and New York.