The U.S. Food and Drug Administration seems paralyzed by the controversial chemical bisphenol A. On Monday, the agency blew its own self-imposed deadline for issuing a ruling on the safety of the ubiquitous chemical, which is found in thousands of household products and has been linked to an array of diseases. The FDA is taking more time to have its scientists analyze studies of the chemical's effects.

The FDA has all the evidence it needs to support a ban — at least in products intended for children. We're puzzled by the foot-dragging. BPA, a $6 billion-a-year business, is found in everything from the lining of metal food containers to hardened plastics to teeth sealants. Bills are pending in Congress that would ban the chemical, and in the absence of FDA action, Congress should move ahead with the legislation.

The FDA has not covered itself in glory. Last year, the agency concluded that the chemical was safe for all uses, basing the decision on two studies bought and paid for by BPA makers and allowing chemical industry lobbyists to help write the ruling. The industry, of course, is hell-bent on persuading consumers that BPA is as safe as mountain spring water, employing many of the same tactics used by the tobacco industry to sow doubt. The industry even considered having a pregnant woman vouch for the chemical's safety.

Under pressure, the FDA's science board did the right thing and forced a review of the agency's findings.

Advocates for a ban saw the delay as a positive sign, concluding that if the FDA had planned to confirm its previous ruling, it wouldn't need additional time. But we believe that any delay is harmful. There is too much evidence that BPA is hurting people.

Tests on lab animals have found links between BPA and breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, heart disease and behavioral disorders. A recent Kaiser Permanente study of Chinese factory workers found that those exposed to large amounts of the chemical were far more likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Other tests, including those conducted on behalf of the Journal Sentinel, have found that the chemical leaches out of even some food cans labeled "BPA free." It is found in the urine of 93 percent of Americans tested.

The FDA — or Congress — should ban the chemical. In the interim, the FDA should issue a public health warning and order mandatory labeling of food cans and a ban of the use of polycarbonate plastic for food containers. Further delay is pointless.

REPRINTED FROM THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL.