You, like millions of other Americans, probably regularly use and consume products made with Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic chemical that is a $6 billion global industry.
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Summer's here, and there's nothing more relaxing than lounging on a hot night with a cool, refreshing beverage. Or, how about nourishing your child on those sultry summer days with a fresh drink from a sippy cup or baby bottle. But, what if I told you that those drinks are also infused with an endocrine disruptor associated with heart disease and diabetes. No, it's not the latest fad coffee drink but a dangerous toxin that is found in everyday consumer products.

You, like millions of other Americans, probably regularly use and consume products made with Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic chemical that is a $6 billion global industry. It's found in ordinary products such as baby bottles, sippy cups and canned food. Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration, which is supposedly deemed with the task of protecting consumer interests has forgotten who it represents. Despite numerous scientific studies, including a recent one from the American Medical Association, confirming the dangers of BPA, the FDA instead has chosen to pledge its ongoing support for the use of this chemical.

Says FDA scientist Laura Tarantino, "A margin of safety exists that is adequate to protect consumers, including infants and children, at the current levels of exposure." Despite the agency's continued allegiance to this toxic product, consumers, politicians and advocacy groups are fighting back and saying no to BPA.

Fortunately, the public is smarter than these executives and the FDA. Consumers have choice and power to say no to corporations pushing dangerous toxins on them and their families. The Environmental Working Group offers online resources for finding BPA-free products. And, get involved today to help to ban this product. It's something we should all live without.

Sarah's Social Action Snapshot originally appeared on Takepart.com

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