We have been bombarded with plastic in everything for years but people are beginning to question the chemicals that go into products.
- Baby bottles and toys made out of polycarbonate plastic have been the focus of a lot of scrutiny because this type of plastic contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol A.
- According to a report on a scientific study (Toxic Baby Bottles, Rachel L. Gibson, 2007) five of the more popular brands of baby bottles were tested and they all leached levels of bisphenol A that were unacceptable. No level is considered safe but the varying levels of bisphenol A found in the bottles went from 5 to 10ppb (parts per billion).
About Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A is a toxic hormone disruptor and has been linked to cancer, hyperactivity, birth defects, diabetes, lowered sperm count and early onset of puberty. It has also been associated with impaired immune systems and even obesity although further studies are needed. In many cases, laws are outdated so manufacturers are not required to prove the chemicals are safe.
The polycarbonate plastic breaks down so leeches into formula and/or food. This process happens faster when the plastic is heated, washed or an acidic food or drink is used.
Safer Suggestions and Options
- Glass bottles are considered much safer and are quite sturdy so switching to glass is a sensible option.
- For sippy cups, several companies offer stainless steel sippy cup options. Klean Kanteen and Thermos are two examples.
- If you are using plastic bottles or containers, stay away from anything marked with the letters PC. You will usually see that near the recycling symbol if it’s there.
- Polycarbonate plastics are also marked number 7 along with the recycling symbols. Safer plastics are usually softer and opaque while the bottles made with polycarbonate plastic are very hard and clear or tinted.
- Avoid canned food or cut down as much as possible. Bisphenol A is in some of the plastic used in the lining of cans.
- Avoid heating plastic bottles and containers in the microwave. Glass containers are better options.
- For toys, it’s just as important to make sure safer plastics are used because they all have the potential to end up in a small child’s mouth. There are many wooden toys that are much safer and in some cases much more attractive.
Environmental organizations along with parents in the U.S. and Canada are calling to ban baby bottles made with polycarbonate plastic. While some manufacturers say findings are exaggerated and biased, there are safer alternatives. It would be in everyone’s best interest for them to phase out plastics containing bisphenol A.
Sources: Toxic Baby Bottles: Rachel L. Gibson, Environment California Research and Policy Center, 2007,The Toxic Nation Guide to Toxic Baby Bottles, (PDF),2007,Environmental Working Group: A Survey of Bisphenol A in U.S. Canned Foods, March 5, 2007,Baby’s Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular Baby Bottles, The Work Group for Safe Markets
