Government of Canada Acts to Protect Newborns and Infants From Bisphenol A in Polycarbonate Plastic Baby Bottles

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jun 26 (MARKET WIRE) --
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
(http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca) for more information on
the Chemicals Management Plan.

Egalement disponible en francais

Contacts:
Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
613-957-2983

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
Josee Bellemare
613-957-0200

Public Inquiries:
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709

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