Recent health concerns for BPA, an estrogen-like chemical found in plastics, have prompted some states to consider banning use of the chemical. The chemical can be found in numerous plastics on the market today including food and drink containers, most notably those that are used by infants and toddlers. Last month the Food and Drug Administration or the FDA announced that new studies show some concerns for the chemical that they previously labeled safe. New studies show a possible link between BPA and fetal development and brain development.

BPA has been previously scrutinized by other health advocates. Both the Environmental Working Group and the Natural Resource Defense Council site studies that show fetal and brain development are not the only health concerns. BPA can also be linked to other issues including cancer, heart disease and diabetes to name just a few.

Currently around a dozen states are looking to ban the chemical while some states already have. Last year, leading the way, Connecticut and Minnesota passed state bans on BPA. Both states banned its use in food and drink containers that were intended to be used in the 0-3 year old population. In other states last year, some counties also passed such bans.

Canada was the first country to issue a country wide band. A BPA ban was passed in Canada calling for the removal of all baby bottle products that contained the chemical.

Mounting consumer pressure has been the result of more bans already this year. Washington State has banned the chemical’s use in bottles and cups for babies and toddlers as well as in sports bottles. Wisconsin has passed a similar ban, removing the chemical from bottles and cups intended for children under the age of 3. As the year moves on many other states across the nation have bills that are waiting to be voted on. Bills are also in play in several states including Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Washington DC is also considering a ban.

In the meantime many companies are being proactive and have taken the initiative to remove BPA from their products. Concerned consumers can find products that do not contain the chemical. Many companies are labeling their products to make it easy for consumers to choose BPA free products.

It is important to note that on the flip side that there are proponents of BPA. The American Chemistry Counsel says that these bans are not warranted or necessary. They claim the chemical is completely safe and does not need to be removed from any products.