Parents and guardians around the world are scrambling to find more conclusive results from current studies surrounding Bisephenol A (BSA). Polycarbonate products we use on a regular basis are being targetted by governmental agencies and just recently the Canadian Government has decided to ban the import and sale of polycarbonate baby bottles containing bisphenol A. Although many experts who have weighed in on the issue of what are acceptable amounts of BPA, there is a growing concern for parents who want more answers regarding the tests being conducted.
Scientific studies conducted with rats being exposed to higher levels of Bisphenol A, showed clear patterns and results such as:

There is a divide within the plastics industry which says BPA is safe and critics who say that it is a health concern. Critics claim that BPA can increase your risk of certain cancers, cause fertility problems and contribute to behavioral problems in children. The majority of government funded studies found some of the following side effects from BPA:

Aberrant cell growth patterns (cancerous cells)
Pre-cancerous prostate lesions (chemicals linked directly to breast cancer)
Insulin resistance, leading to diabetic risks
Hormonal changes (leading experts to hypothesize BPA could be linked to miscarriages)
Behavioral problems including hyperactivity
Estrogen level changes

BPA and Your Baby

All the major infant bottle companies who manufacture bottles made of polycarbonate “plastics” are under the spotlight. None of these companies have denied research that points to BPA leeching into ingestible liquids and foods, but none seem to agree on what “levels” of BPA constitute a health risk. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for determining “safe” levels of BPA and human consumption. Yet when it comes to children and their health it is rapidly becoming a “no-brainer” for parents to toss their conventional plastic bottles, and pony up the $50-$70 to replace them all with glass baby bottles.

Unfortunately the majority of baby bottles and sippy cups in your cupboards now are labeled with the #7 designation, meaning they are polycarbonates and contain BPA. The common alternative to plastics in other industries like large bottled water containers, are a label #1 (PET bottles). Most “plastic” bottles are labeled with the number system and safe numbers are 1,2,4 and 5. The numbers you should aim to avoid are 3,6 and 7. These are mainly of PVC (cling wrap), styrofoam products and all polycarbonate plastics.

For those of you who aren’t yet convinced of the empirical study results, you can lessen the “leeching” of Bisephenol A into food and drinks by:
Not re-heating food or drinks in polycarbonate products.
Disposing of used/scratched and older polycarbonate bottles.
Avoid using dishwashers, excessively hot water and harsh detergents to wash polycarbonates.

BPA and Your Baby

Again, many experts are weighing in on the studies surrounding BPA at this time and more research is necessary. The Canadian government has recently taken action with respect to imports and sales of polycarbonate products. Effects can be felt immediately as retailers have now removed all baby bottles made of polycarbonate from their shelves.
Only when everyone shares “transparent” results with regards to these plastics and their direct effect on our health will we be better able to come up with positive solutions
Koen D is an active parent of 2 young children and shares concerns over many issues that affect the health of society. Visit BPA and Your Baby Squidoo Lens for up to date study results.

Filed under: Pregnancy

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