SALEM, Ore. -- Environmentalists and health care providers say Oregon should ban a common industrial chemical from baby bottles, formula cans and infant "sippy cups."
The chemical is bisphenol A, used in rigid plastics and the liners of food and drink cans. Canada and a few other states are moving to ban it in products for youngsters.
Supporters of the ban say the chemical is a hormone disrupter linked to numerous health problems. They cite a recent expression of concern by federal health agencies over its potential effects on fetuses, infants and young children.
At a legislative hearing Thursday, lobbyists for industry and retail groups said scientists haven't concluded that the chemical is harmful to humans.
