AUGUSTA — A group of mothers backed by environmental groups are pressing Maine regulators to extend the state’s ban on the chemical bisphenol-A.

The mothers, with the support of the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine, turned in petitions Thursday seeking to compel the state Board of Environmental Protection to extend its ban. It currently applies to baby bottles, sippy cups and other reusable food and beverage containers. The groups want it extended to cans and jars that hold baby and toddler foods.

The mothers and environmental groups say studies show that BPA is a hormone disrupter that’s linked to cancer, obesity, learning disabilities, male infertility and early puberty in girls.

Maine has a citizen petition process to initiate consideration environmental rules.