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Gov. Brown Signs Ban On BPA Bottles, Enforces Lead Ban

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a pair of bills intended to protect children from harmful chemicals.

The governor on Tuesday announced he had signed AB1319 banning the chemical bisphenol A—commonly known as BPA—from plastic baby bottles or cups. The bill by Democratic Assemblywoman Betsy Butler of Marina del Rey is intended to reduce children's exposure to a chemical that studies have shown can be harmful to their development.

Supporters say BPA can leach into a child's milk or food from plastic containers. Opponents say the measure could expose companies to lawsuits if traces of the chemical are found in their products.

Brown also signed SB646 by Democratic Sen. Fran Pavley of Agoura Hills. The bill closes a loophole in California's ban on lead and cadmium jewelry.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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