Who is watching over us?

Ah, there is hope yet, at least within the family.

  On occasion, my other half surprises me and eats something healthy, or passes along a bit of information, that, normally, I figure would pass right by him. Today, was one of those days. He tells me the bill to ban BPA in the US, failed to make it  to the senate table. So I dug around a little-just a little, because I already try to avoid all unsafe plastics. But, since I was both surprised, yet not surprised at the news....
   A few months ago you read that BPA is bad, and you start seeing infant products and plastics, labeled, "BPA Free". Yet, these people here will tell you it's safe-http://www.bisphenol-a.org/

  In January,  the FDA actually sides with the National Toxicology Program, and says that infants are particularly vulnerable to BPA, and to stop production of BPA in infant and kids products. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm197739.htm They go on to say this, The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health authorities recommend breastfeeding as the optimal nutrition for infants.  Infant formula, including infant formula packaged in cans, is a safe and acceptable alternative that provides known nutritional benefits and prevents life-threatening nutritional deficiencies. 

FDA is not recommending that families change the use of infant formula or foods, as the benefit of a stable source of good nutrition outweighs the potential risk of BPA exposure. 

   Yes, women have breasts, meant to feed babies, a small percent actually can not, and many chose not to. But, even breastfeeding moms occasionally pump and store milk-in bottles, cups etc-made of plastic. So even if you start out with the best intentions, that liquid gold, can be tainted with BPA. Now which is it-the FDA supports the knowledge that BPA is bad, or does not?

  Anyhow, BPA has been around since the 1960's, and only recently have studies been done with more than just a small amount of BPA. The good stuff-what my husband drew my attentions to-Nov 20th, 2010, the BPA ban does not make it to the senate table-http://inhabitat.com/us-senators-fail-to-approve-ban-on-use-of-harmful-bpa/  According to the Wall Street Journal, on Wednesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.), facing major opposition from the chemical industry, withdrew the amendment to ban BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups from consideration. Pressure from the chemical industry, along with other major organizations, has freaked out the government and the chemical industry has gotten what they want – the privilege to keep putting BPA into baby bottles and sippy cups.

  Now, my question would be to Sen. Feinstein, if the information is correct-why withdraw? Didn't David beat Goliath?  So, we need to ask ourselves, who is looking out for us? We can't  get a BPA ban on the senate table? We can't get regulations on harmful chemicals in the US, yet in Europe, they can? We can't get harmful food additives removed from our foods, and our foods labeled against GMO's? We can't seem to get toys or clothing checked for harmful chemicals. I mean really, as we get sicker, who are we supposed to trust and turn to? And who reaps the benefits?