“California today launched the most comprehensive program of any state to evaluate, label and, in some cases, ban industrial chemicals that are linked to cancer, hormone disruption and other deadly effects on human health.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed new legislation to shift the state away from a scattershot approach in which bills targeting hazardous chemicals in products such as jewelry, baby bottles, toys, mattresses, computers and cosmetics have passed or failed depending on the intensity of the lobbying and media attention.”

“….two new laws are designed to encompass 80,000 chemicals now in circulation…”

Source: California launches broad effort to control hazardous chemicals

Interesting four page article on products in the home. (Part 1) Products derived from natural, nontoxic ingredients — once seen as fringe — are now mainstream.

Study: Plastic Bottles Present Health Risks
http://www.channel3000.com/health/17500416/detail.html
“MADISON, Wis. — The Food and Drug Administration is looking closely at a chemical commonly used in plastic products.

Bisphenol a or BPA is used in baby bottles and other plastics but a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that chemical could be linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Under the study participants who had the highest levels of BPA also were twice as likely to have heart disease.

The FDA said consumers should avoid products with a recycling seven on the them, and avoid heating plastic containers in microwaves.

Several states are considering a BPA ban, and some manufacturers are removing BPA from their products. ”

Plastic Bottles Linked to Heart Disease
http://www.streem.com.au/breaking-news/6391-plastic-bottles-linked-to-heart-disease
“A chemical contained in plastic drink bottles and containers could be linked to heart disease a study has found.

Researchers in Europe say that higher levels of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) within heart disease patients could be linked to it’s inclusion in plastic bottles and containers.”

BPA is almost impossible to avoid, but more companies are discontinuing use

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-bpa-tips_websep17,0,2667607.story

“Some companies are now labeling products as BPA free. For more information on specific items, go to safemama.com.”

Six Chemicals in Soft Plastic Toys Banned Across Europe (2005)

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2005/2005-07-06-05.asp

“BRUSSELS, Belgium, July 6, 2005 (ENS) – The European Parliament voted Tuesday to impose a permanent ban on six chemicals used in plastic toys and childcare articles to soften the plastics. Young children can ingest the toxic chemicals when they suck or chew on the soft plastic items.”

The FDA’s claim that they are safe:

Agency Affirms Plastics’ Safety, as Study Raises Questions

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/health/17plastic.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=plastic&st=cse&oref=slogin

“…Two Dartmouth College analysts of medical research said the study, which does not prove that BPA caused the health problems, raised questions but provided no answers about whether the ubiquitous chemical is harmful…”

What do you think?  Do you think they safe or not?  Why do you think certain chemicals in plastic is banned in European countries, but not in the U.S?

Update 10/29/08: I just found a more recent post about the matter at Safe Mama http://safemama.com/2008/10/29/fda-ignored-evidence-of-harm-regarding-bpa-ruling/