AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine environmental regulators are deciding whether to expand a proposed ban on the chemical bisphenol-A, a substance used to harden plastics in some food containers and hundreds of other household items.
A proposal before the Board of Environmental Protection would ban the chemical in baby bottles and sippy cups. The board was to decide Thursday whether to expand the proposal to also include packaging for infant formula and baby food.
Supporters of the expanded ban say a number of scientific studies show bisphenol-A, or BPA, is a dangerous hormone-disrupting chemical linked to cancer, learning disabilities and obesity.
Federal health agencies say there’s cause for concern, but more study is needed.
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