Canada moves to ban bisphenol A in baby bottles

The federal government has decided to add bisphenol A to the country's list of toxic substances anddraft regulations thatban the sale in Canada of plastic baby bottles containing the chemical.

The federal ministries of Health and the Environment on Saturday said the government would move torestrict theimportation, sale and advertising ofbottles made with the controversial chemical after announcing six months ago it would declare it a toxic substance.

Although bisphenol A (BPA)makes plastic hard and shatterproof,testsshow it can leach into food and beverages when heated.

Studies have shown the chemicalcan imitate the female hormone estrogen, and it has been linked tocancer and infertility in animals.

"It is concluded that bisphenol A be considered as a substance that may be entering theenvironment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health,"the health and environment departments saidFriday in the governmentpublication Canada Gazette.

Concerns have been raised that BPA in polycarbonate plasticsand epoxy linings can migrate into food and beverages, particularly when heated.

The government is proposing "to allow the lowest amount of BPA as reasonably achievable in infant formula cans" and all foods in general. Its risk management plan said it would aim for "stringent" targets for infant formula cans.

"Virtually every tin can in peoples' cupboards is lined with bisphenol A," said Rick Smith, executive director of the advocacy group Environmental Defence.