2009-106
June 26, 2009
For immediate release
OTTAWA - The Government of Canada is moving forward with proposed regulations to prohibit the advertisement, sale and importation of polycarbonate plastic baby bottles that contain bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA, to reduce newborn and infant exposure to this substance, announced the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.
BPA is used in the production of polycarbonate, a clear hard plastic used to make many products, including baby bottles. When in contact with hot or boiling liquid, bisphenol A can migrate from the plastic into the liquid and easily be ingested.
"Our Government is acting to protect its most vulnerable citizens-newborns and infants," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Canada is the first country to move ahead with regulations to prohibit polycarbonate baby bottles that contain bisphenol A. We want parents to feel confident that they can safely bottle-feed their newborns and infants."
The Government has concluded that exposure levels for newborns and infants up to 18 months of age are below those that could cause health effects. However, due to the uncertainty raised in some studies relating to the potential effects of low levels of BPA, the Government wants to further limit exposure.
These actions are the latest measures by the Government of Canada to regulate chemicals that are harmful to human health or the environment under Canada's world-leading Chemicals Management Plan.
Health Canada has now published these proposed regulations in Canada Gazette Part I for a 75 day public comment period to consult with interested parties.
Please visit the Chemical Substances website for more information on the Chemicals Management Plan.
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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Josée Bellemare
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
