Bisphenol A, known as BPA, is a dangerous but disturbingly common chemical that can leach from packaging into the food and drink inside -- then make it's way into the bodies of growing children.

BPA is banned in some form in at least eight states because of the potential health impact on babies and children. Now, we're reaching out to California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, South Dakota, Kentucky, Maine, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee and North Dakota, because bills have been filed in these states and no state should choose chemicals over kids.

Urge your state's lawmakers to stand up to the powerful chemical and infant-formula industries and ban BPA from kids' food and drink containers, reusable water bottles and plastic containers.

Dear [Decision Maker],

I urge you to support a ban in our state on the chemical Bisphenol A -- also known as BPA -- in certain children's food and drink containers, reusable water bottles and food-storage containers. This chemical has been banned in some form in at least eight other states because of the potential health impact on babies and children, and it's time the littlest residents in our state have the same protections!

[Your comments will be inserted here.]

BPA is a synthetic estrogen that makes plastics durable. The chemical is in the linings of cans and in polycarbonate plastic, including some baby bottles and sippy cups, infant formula cans/jars, reusable water bottles, and food-storage containers. This synthetic estrogen leaches from the packaging and into the food and drink inside, where it can make its way into the bodies of growing children.

This synthetic hormone has been linked to a wide range of health problems. Numerous studies have shown that BPA negatively impact the brain, prostate, hormonal and reproductive systems, and has been linked to an increased risk of insulin resistance and even cancer.

The health effects of BPA are even more pronounced on babies, toddlers and children. Eight states, several cities, Canada and the European Union have already banned BPA from certain children's food and beverage containers. There is no reason to put our children at risk, since packaging exists on the market today without this chemical, and some manufacturers are already using the safer alternatives.

I urge you to support a ban on BPA in baby bottles and baby food jars, infant formula cans/jars, sippy cups, reusable water bottles and food-storage containers sold in our state. Families here should have the same health protections as those in other states, where bans of this harmful chemical already exist.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]