January 27, 2009

REP. RYAN & AG BLUMENTHAL CALL
FOR THE REMOVAL OF TOXINS IN BABY BOTTLES

State Representative Kevin Ryan joined Attorney General Dick Blumenthal, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz and other public officials to call for the phasing out of Bisphenol A (BPA) from children's products, including baby bottles.

"Toxic chemicals, like BPA pose the greatest risk to children," Rep. Ryan said. "Supporting legislation to keep toxins out of baby bottles is just common sense."

BPA is a chemical used to make epoxy resin and plastic products, including some kinds of baby bottles and food containers. Proponents of banning BPA say it has been inked to insulin resistance, reproductive problems, learning disabilities, and prostate cancer. Many companies have already stopped using BPA in their products and some retailers, notably Wal-Mart and Toys "R" Us, no longer carry baby bottles with BPA.

Attorney General Blumenthal is sending a letter to Connecticut retailers today requesting that they remove baby bottles with BPA from their stores.

Kevin Ryan represents the towns of Bozrah, Franklin, Lebanon and Montville in the 139th District. He is House chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee.