In Monday’s post, I wrote that I would delve into the subjects of plastic and BPA. As this is the U.S. Infant Adoption blog, I’m going to focus on the plastics nearest to our babies and toddlers – bottles, formula, and sippies.
BPA is short for Bisphenol-A, a substance used in the production of polycarbonate plastics (plastics of types 3, 6, and 7). BPA is a hormone disruptor that acts like estrogen, and in lab tests has been proven to cause health problems in animals. Even at low doses, a link has been shown between BPA and prostate cancer. Other potential health issues include impaired brain development, harm to the reproductive system, and altered testosterone levels. BPA affects the endocrine system, and builds up in our bodies’ fatty tissues. BPA leaches into food and drink, especially when the plastic is warmed or damaged.
BPA is found in sippy cups, pacifiers, food storage containers, tableware, and infant formula. In August 2007, the authors of the book Baby Bargains brought the issue to the nation when they withdrew their recommendations for any baby bottle that contained BPA. Since then, BPA has been front-and-center in debates over the safety of children’s products. Many large retailers, including Babies R Us, refuse to carry any food- or drink-related items that contain BPA. Companies who were defending their use of the toxic chemical have suddenly had changes of heart. Although the FDA still asserts that BPA is safe, many scientists are asking them to reconsider. Furthermore, BPA has been banned in several countries.
Baby formula also contains BPA. Cans and cardboard canisters used to store liquid and powdered infant formulas typically use BPA-containing plastic to line their metal parts. Ready-to-eat formula is the most affected; according to one study, 2/3 of all infants fed ready-to-eat formula would be exposed to doses above those shown to cause significant health problems in animals. The Environmental Working Group has created a Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles and Formula.
Choose glass bottles or containers whenever possible. If you must buy plastic, look at the number in the recycling triangle. Plastics of type 1, 2, 4, and 5 aren’t supposed to contain BPA. Plastics of type 3, 6, and 7 contain BPA. Do not put plastic in the dishwasher or microwave. Throw away plastic objects that are old or scratched. Do not place hot food in plastic containers; when storing leftovers, allow them to cool first.
BPA is found in bottles, sippy cups, “open cups”, teethers, pacifiers, and lots of other products. Two years ago, when I first started following this story, you couldn’t find a reliable list of BPA-free products. Now, several of these lists exist. I still think the best is The ZRecs Guide to Safer Baby Products. SafeMama.com has created several “Cheat Sheets” to help too.
We do avoid plastic whenever possible. I actually moved Jack off of bottles a bit more urgently when I found out that our Evenflo Comfis contained BPA. I got rid of a lot of the sippy cups, in favor of two Siggs and 1 Klean Kanteen. We also purchased a Boon sippy, because Jack liked the shape. It’s really meant for babies, but he thinks it’s a bracelet cup. Who am I to argue?
Photo Credit: Robyn C. 2006.
[...] bisphenol-A, a hormone disruptor that occurs in some (perhaps most) plastics. I wrote about BPA last year. Since then, research has showed that it’s likely more prevalent than we thought, and may [...]