BPA is making headlines; a study just published in Environmental Health Perspectives suggested that people can reduce their BPA exposure simply by eating fresh food. According to the study, people eating unpackaged fresh food had a 60% decrease in their BPA levels. The study shows that by switching to fresh food, not only would you improve your overall health, but your exposure to harmful chemicals is also reduced.

Many states have responded to increased social awareness and mounting scientific evidence to the dangers of Bisphenol A (BPA) by introducing legislation that would ban the chemical from kids’ products

Here’s a quick recap of where BPA bills are in the states:

Maine: There is a dynamic situation happening in Maine. The rule that would ban BPA in children’s products was unanimously endorsed by a joint committee, is now quickly moving through both Houses and will likely be on the Governor’s desk by the end of the week. It’s too early to celebrate however, as a bill that’s scheduled to be debated next Tuesday by the same committee would effectively gut the BPA rule.

Oregon: The Oregon BPA bill recently moved out of a Senate committee, and is now awaiting approval from the Senate. A vote is expected this week.

California: A bill was introduced in the Assembly a few weeks ago and has its first hearing on April 26th. We expect to have another tough fight to get this bill passed, as lobbyists spent roughly five million dollars to defeat California’s BPA bill last year.

Pennsylvania: The Bisphenol A- free Baby and Toddler Products Act, spearheaded by sponsor Representative Curry, is currently in a House committee.

Other states (Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas) have pending legislation, banning BPA. Eight states (Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin), Canada, and the European Union have already banned BPA.