legislation

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act

Continuing with yesterdays discussion about product safety legislation, Health Canada issued a press release suggesting that Bill C-6, Canada Consumer Product Safety Act has been held up in the Senate.

Apparently, on “December 2, 2009, the Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology committee made a number of amendments which render the Bill dysfunctional.”

The Canadian Health Minister stated:

“A handful of opposition Senators are trying to water down the proposed Act and consequently add extra steps in the process, slowing matters down needlessly,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “The amendments made to the Bill do nothing to improve the health and safety of Canadians. They do, however, considerably weaken the bill by putting the interest of industry ahead of the health and safety of Canadians.”

It’s extremely unfortunate that such an important Bill designed to protect Canadians is being heldup.

Post to Twitter

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

More About Bisphenol A (BPA)

By now you have probably heard a lot about Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and exposy resins.

According to Health Canada:

Polycarbonate is used in food contact materials such as beverage bottles, infant feeding bottles, food containers, processing equipment and other articles. BPA is often found in clear hard plastics and can be in the lining of some food cans.

According to Toxic Nation:

Bisphenol A is a hormone disruptor. Studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as: permanent changes to genital tract; increase prostate weight; decline in testosterone; breast cells predisposed to cancer; prostate cells more sensitive to hormones and cancer; hyperactivity and obesity.

Since 2008 Canada has been the first country in the world to recognize the serious health hazards posed by BPA. As a result, the Canadian government considers BPA toxic under the Canada Environmental Protection Act 1999.

Subsequent reports regarding BPA have been investigated by the government. Since, newborn infants are most at risk this summer, June 26, 2009 the:

Government of Canada announced that it is moving forward with proposed regulations to prohibit the advertisement, sale and importation of polycarbonate plastic baby bottles that contain bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA, to reduce newborn and infant exposure to this substance.

What is Health Canada doing about the problem? Click here.

Post to Twitter

Tagged , , , , , , , ,