I support equality for the sexes, but this wasn’t what I had in mind! Adding to the mounting evidence against the toxic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), a study released last week (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.03.005) found male monkeys exposed to BPA while in the womb display behaviors unique to female monkeys once they’re born. Yes, this is the same BPA still used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, reusable water bottles, and other food containers.

In fact, more than 200 studies have linked BPA exposures at very low doses to breast and prostate cancer, obesity, diabetes, altered development of the brain and immune systems, lowered sperm counts, and early puberty. Growing children are especially at risk from BPA because they have smaller bodies. In fact, BPA is so toxic that even very small amounts have been shown to cross the placenta and impact prenatal development.

Please urge your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Ban Poisonous Additives Act, which will prohibit the sale of food and beverage containers that contain BPA.

http://action.momsrising.org/cms/letter/letter_27254/

States are starting to ban these chemicals, but they can't do it alone. Congress must follow the lead of the states to make sure all of our children are protected. Just over a week ago, after hearing from thousands of concerned moms and dads, Minnesota legislators stood up to the chemical industry and joined Canada, Suffolk County, NY, and even retailers like Wal-Mart and Sears in eliminating bisphenol-A (BPA) from kids products. Twenty other states, including California, Connecticut, Michigan and New York, are considering similar bans.

Unfortunately, state action alone will not be enough.

We need to harness this MOM-entum to protect all children from BPA exposure by urging our federal representatives to support the "Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009" being introduced by Senator Feinstein and Representative Markey. This legislation will eliminate BPA from the everyday items our children use such as baby bottles, sippy cups, reusable water bottles, and infant formula containers.

Lobbyists for the plastics and chemical industries are descending on Washington, DC in droves in an effort to stop federal legislation banning BPA. We need to let our legislators know that everyday citizens (also known as voters!), will not tolerate dangerous chemicals harming our children. Please forward this email to friends so they can send a letter too.

We only have two weeks to generate the co-sponsors and congressional support needed to move this important legislation forward. Please send a letter now using the easy link below:

http://action.momsrising.org/cms/letter/letter_27254/

Every message makes a difference. Together we can end this monkey business and build a safer and healthier future for all children.