Landmark legislation sponsored by NYS Senator Antoine Thompson ( D-parts of Erie & Niagara Counties) became the law of the land on Friday. The bill (S3296) bans the use of the controversial, carcinogenic chemical Bishpenol-A in products for children age three and under. NY Governor David Paterson signed the bill into law. The newly passed legislation covers such common childcare products as pacifiers, baby bottles, baby bottle liners, cups, cup lids, straws and sippy cups. Parents have innocently exposed their children to this chemical for years without knowing the risk.

Thompson says, “The possible health problems caused by Bisphenol-A are alarming. Studies show that BPA has been linked to early onset puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome and breast and prostate cancer.”

While four counties in NYS have already enacted local laws prohibiting the use of BPA in sippy cups and baby bottles, Senator Thompson newly passed law now expands the prohibition, instantly makes it state-wide.