Bisphenol-A can exist in plastic baby bottles and is unsafe. Many #7 baby bottles contain this substance. When you use plastic, you’ll often see the recycling symbol on the bottom of the plastic. This number can tell you things about the plastic and its ability to be recycled. In Feb ‘08, Toxicnation.ca released a report alerting people about using baby bottles that were made with plastic that also contained the #7 on the bottom.
The chemical was found to leach into the liquid in the bottle, especially when the bottle was heated. Many parents are switching from their existing baby bottles to glass bottles or special plastic bottles that are Bisphenol-A free. Very popular brand names of bottles were tested with some startling results.
What are the effects of Bisphenol-A?
This toxic substance can cause estrogen level problems as well as developmental problems. There is a long list of potential health risks to children and adults including suggestions of links to breast cancer and other tumors. Significant research is being done in Canada regarding levels of this substance and regulation and groups are calling for the banning of this substance for plastic baby bottles.
Not only are baby bottles a concern but so are sippy cups and plastic children’s dishes as well as commercial baby food that is stored in these containers. Heating the plastic significantly increases the risk of leaching and ingestion but so does the wearing down of the plastic through repeated use and repeated washing.
Reference: http://www.toxicnation.ca
