Minnesota has become the first state to ban the toxic plastics chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) signed the legislation last week and the ban will take effect Jan. 1, 2010.

California and Connecticut are among the other states that also may ban the toxic chemical. The plastic additive has been found to leach from hard plastic water and baby bottles when they are heated, as well as when certain disposable containers labeled as “microwave safe” are heated. Children’s developing bodies are considered more susceptible to chemical insult.

Canada has already taken steps to ban BPA. In the U.S., Sen. Charles Schumer, (D-New York) and nine other senators introduced legislation in 2008 to treat BPA as a hazardous substance under federal law for any product targeting kids, ages 7 and younger.

“Minnesota now leads the way in protecting American children from BPA,” Renee Sharp, senior analyst and director of Environmental Working Group’s California office, said in a statement. “Minnesota’s action should pave the way for California. “BPA has been banned by everyone from Wal-Mart to Sunoco, Canada and now Minnesota. Any questions about the viability of alternatives have clearly been resolved.”

Even if the marketplaces sort out the issue with baby bottles, many of which are now being made of glass or BPA-free plastic, BPA turns up in a troubling array of consumer products, including the lining of most canned foods, though the Food and Drug Administration considers the levels contained in these products to be safe for humans of all ages.

Related links:

• State of Minnesota’s Introduction to Bisphenol A
• Tests show how toxic substances turn up in Americans’ blood
• Health fears about BPA plastic spread with Canada pushing for a ban
• BPA – now a potential saboteur of breast cancer treatment
• Help contain plastics by knowing your plastic containers