What I told the state Senate about BPA

I never thought I'd say "I had fun testifying in Salem," but I did.  Especially after hearing industry lobbyist after industry lobbyist spin the story about BPA.  Yesterday I made the trip to Salem to speak in favor of a proposed ban on BPA in children's food & drink containers (Senate Bill 1032). 

I was one of many who testified to support this bill, among them the Oregon Environmnetal Council, Oregon Nurses Association, and Children First for Oregon.  Here's what I said:

"Chair Dingfelder, Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today to show my strong support for Senate Bill 1032.  I’m thrilled that my state is among those stepping up to protect its children from this toxic chemical.

My name is Lisa Frack. I am an Oregonian and a parent of two children under 7, both native Oregonians.  Coleman (who is 7) and Georgia (she’s 3) were almost certainly born with BPA in their bodies and further contaminated in their earliest years by drinking from tainted polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups and eating canned foods.  That I fed them. 

Our toxics laws have failed them, and failed me as a parent whose highest purpose is the health and safety of my children.  Which is why I am here today.

As you’ve no doubt heard, the science around BPA is more solid every day.  We all know it’s in us, there’s no question about that anymore.  And while some (amazingly) continue to question its health effects, they must not be looking at the mounting scientific evidence.  I’m hardly alone in feeling frustrated that my kids continue to be guinea pigs while the government and industry duke it out and do more studies.   We don’t need more studies, we need common sense health protective policies that put children first.

In the meantime, we parents are left holding the bag.  In January, the US FDA concluded that it had “some concern” about BPA and actually advised parents to take steps to minimize exposures.  As you might imagine, identifying what does and doesn’t contain BPA is no easy feat – especially in the grocery store aisle with 2 little kids in the cart.  I want to buy food and drinks for my kids without wondering if the container is toxic.  Is that too much to ask?  I bet retailers would be thrilled if we parents would stop asking a million questions and start buying what’s on their shelves again.  Especially in this economic climate  - they need our trust, because they need our business.

And I don’t know about you, but the fact that the FDA assigned the very same level of concern to fetal exposure to amphetamines as they did to BPA alarms me as a parent, and makes it clear how badly SB 1032 is needed, because right here in Salem is where my children are going to be protected.  Isn’t it?

In closing, I want to leave you with another parent’s perspective.  Last night I mentioned to her that I’d be here today, and here’s what she said, “I knew BPA was bad a long time ago, but my husband kept saying if it were, the government would protect us.”  Well it is bad, and the government hasn’t protected us.  Yet.  I’m here to ask you to change that by passing this bill.  Thank you."

Comments

[LTF]

Susan, Hi! Your testimony was GREAT. The best of the day, I think. If you'd like to share your written version here on Activistas, please do. You can simply email it to activistas@gmail.com and I'll post it. Cheers, LTF

[tara w.]

Excellent testimony, Lisa! Thanks so much for doing this on behalf of all of us parents who want to keep our children safe! You are awesome!

[Andrea P]

Susan - you were really fabulous. Your testimony was so true and heartfelt. I was really moved and I'm sure those in the committee were too. Thank you so much for going.

Lisa - you already know how great I thought you were. Amazingly informed and passionate. So important that you were there (and I'll chauffeur you anytime).

[susan b.]

Thanks for sharing this, Lisa! I testified too and I was really honored to be there. We had to leave early since I had my toddler in tow, but it was great to see you - and I wish I could have heard your compelling testimony, I'm glad you posted it here!

I'm hopeful about the bill. I've asked my friends to contact their legislators and I hope we can counteract some of that repetitive chemical-company lobbyist spin. It was unbelievable, hearing it in person.

Thanks for posting about the bill and the public hearing in the first place - that's how I found out about it.