California's Senate passed a measure Thursday that would prevent the sale of plastic baby bottles, training cups and formula cans. This products contain an estrogen-like chemical called bisphenol A, suspected of disrupting normal human growth and causing hyperactivity in children, as well as several other affections.

There have been made numerous animal tests on BPA and it has been concluded that even at low levels it can damage the development of neurological and reproductive systems.

Last month, the National Institutes of Health's National Toxicology Program brought out a report noting that BPA could affect puberty in females, mammary and prostate glands and neurological-behavioral systems.

Last month Canada officials decided to ascribe the notion “toxic” to BPA. Health Canada, the equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is still investigating on the matter and might ban polycarbonate baby bottles as a precautionary measure. After Canada’s action, the states of California and Massachusetts undertook analyzes of the situation and prepared to make a decision over the issue. If this recent bill becomes a law, California would be the first state in the U.S. to ban BPA in any consumer product.

The chemical is used in manufacturing polycarbonate, but also in toughening casings of cell phones, laptops and automotive parts. It's also used as lining on the insides of canned goods and sealing children's teeth against cavities.