N.Y. County Votes To Ban BPA Baby Bottles

Lawmakers in one New York county have voted to ban the sale of baby bottles made with a chemical that some studies have suggested is harmful to young children.

The measure passed Tuesday by the Suffolk County legislature would ban the use of the chemical BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups sold for use by children under 4.

Officials say that if the measure receives final approval it would be the first of its kind in the U.S.

Similar measures are under consideration elsewhere, including the Washington state legislature. Canada has already banned BPA in baby bottles.

BPA is used in many types of plastics. The chemical industry contends it is safe. The Food and Drug Administration last year agreed it was safe but is doing more research.

"This is a victory for all consumers, but most of all for our youngest ones," said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, senior scientist and policy analyst for Consumers Union, based in Yonkers, N.Y.

Consumers Union said it has repeatedly called on the FDA to ban BPA in infant and children's products.