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Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition “Sets the Stage”

April 2, 2009, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy signed into law “The Toxin Free Toddlers and Babies Act” making Suffolk first county in the nation to ban sales of baby bottles and sippy cups containing Bisphenol-A. BPA is a chemical used to make
plastic materials clear and shatter-resistant.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern who sponsored this bill worked closely with Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, Childcare Council of Suffolk County, Learning Disabilities Association of N.Y., NYPIRG, Long Island Teen Environmental Activists (LITEA), members of JustGreen Partnership, Consumer Union, Nursing Health Professionals of Nassau and Suffolk, and many breast cancer organizations.

“Suffolk County has always taken the lead in protecting public health. We must follow the precautionary principle and be proactive, especially when the health of our most vulnerable citizens, our babies and young children are at risk. Specials thanks to
County Executive Levy for signing this important measure, which will reduce unnecessary exposure to a substance linked with multiple health risks,” states Stern.

Suffolk County is well known for spearheading landmark legislation that protects the health and safety of our community. “In this day and age of prevention, we owe it to our youngsters to minimize their exposure to potentially harmful products, especially
when there are safe alternatives readily available,” said Levy. “Of all the things a parent must worry about, whether or not their child is being harmed by a baby bottle should not be one of them.”

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer continues to maintain a steady partnership with the breast cancer community and most recently introduced a federal ban on BPA minimizing our exposure to this harmful chemical. Next generation teens making a difference (see page 3 articles).

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Suffolk County Legislators Steve Stern are pictured with Senator Charles Schumer, with health advocates and environmental officials.