Hearing on chemical-limiting bills heats up

Statesman Journal: "Industry representatives clashed with environmental health advocates Monday over a pair of bills designed to reduce children's exposure to chemicals during the first public hearing before the Consumer Protection Committee.

HB 2367 would ban from children's products Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, a chemical commonly found in baby bottles, water bottles and food can liners, which some studies suggest affect brain and behavioral development."

Betsy Earls, who represents thousands of retailers through Associated Oregon Industry, questioned the state's ability to make technical decisions about the chemical contents of products and to require alternatives. She said the bills also would hurt retailers' ability to stock products and called the ban unrealistic because manufacturers would unlikely change chemical formulas to suit Oregon.

Supporters pointed out that Oregon isn't alone. It is one of eight states, including Washington, considering a ban on BPA.