The House passed a bill to ban BPA from infant formula containers by 2014, putting Maryland closer to becoming the third state to ban the chemical in the containers. The Senate is still considering the measure.

The state last year banned BPA in sippy cups and baby bottles.

The measure was strongly pushed by some environmental and health advocates and a pair of lawmakers, Del. James Hubbard, D-Prince Georges, and Sen. Brian Frosh, D-Montgomery.

“Babies and children are especially sensitive to toxic chemicals, and this legislation will protect them from a toxin known to have serious health risks. I'm glad the Assembly has supported this important children's health initiative,” Hubbard said in a statement.

Maryland PIRG Public Health Associate Jenny Levin said the advocacy group was pleased with the vote, and urged the General Assembly to consider some of the other 1,400 chemicals with “probable links to cancer, birth defects, reproductive impacts and other health problems are still in use today.”

The federal government expressed “concern” more than a year ago about the effects of bisphenol A, or BPA, on infants and recommended limiting exposure. But it has not banned the chemical, prompting action in states including Maryland.

The lawmakers and PIRG point to other scientific studies that link BPA to a host of health maladies including cancer and endocrine and reproductive troubles. It leaches into food and liquid from some plastics and the lining of cans and even some coated paper receipts.

Think the state should keep going with bans?