Bisphenol-A in food cans, baby bottles (and more) a risk
Posted by safeBABY on April 16, 2008
A new federal government report is raising concern about Bisphenol A - a chemical (also called BPA) found in many baby bottles, water bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, dental sealants, the lining of metal food cans (including infant formula) and some children’s toys. Though it says more research is needed, the National Toxicology Program’s report clearly indicates risk with BPA exposure:
“…there is some concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures. The NTP also has some concern for bisphenol A exposure in these populations based on effects in the prostate gland, mammary gland, and an earlier age for puberty in females …”
How can you reduce your children’s (and your own) exposure to BPA?
First, learn about the safe use of plastics. To do so, you must determine what kind of plastic you have. The bottom or side of a container should have an embossed number surrounded by an arrow symbol; the number is meant as a guide for recycling but it tells you what kind of plastic you’re dealing with.
BPA is predominantly found in polycarbonate plastic bottles and containers, marked with a #7and also in the lining of (most) food cans. [Note: not all #7 containers are polycarbonate plastic, but it's a good guide]
Next, take steps to reduce BPA exposure:
- Reduce or eliminate canned foods and beverages from your diet. The Environmental Working Group conducted a study of canned foods and found “significant” BPA levels; EWG also says canned foods provide the biggest risk of BPA exposure (more so than baby bottles). Eden Foods is the only canned food brand I’ve seen making BPA-free claims (but it looks like it’s only for its organic beans).
- Select BPA-free plastic or glass baby bottles and powdered infant formula (not canned); The Environmental Working Group has a guide on choosing safer baby bottles and formula.
- Avoid polycarbonate containers of all kinds; when possible opt for plastics marked #1, #2, #4 or #5, or use glass, porcelain and stainless steel food and beverage containers. If you must use polycarbonate, don’t heat it in the microwave or put it in the dishwasher; hand wash it.
- Use stainless steel water bottles that do not use a BPA liner. Brands that are reported not to use such liners are Sigg, Real Wear and Kleen Kanteen.
- Use safer sippy cups and safer pacifiers.
- Don’t microwave with plastic wrap. A statement on SJ Johnson’s website says it’s Zip-Loc bags and Saran brand wrap are BPA free, but best to be safe as there are other chemicals that might leech.
Expect more studies with more specific guidelines to crop up in the coming year or so. Until then, it’s best to stay abreast of the topic, ask questions and do your best to minimize your exposure and stay safe.
April 16, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Angela
usa1ang@yahoo.com | 216.174.169.50
I haven’t heard anything about sippy cups and pacifiers and food packaged in plastic. Do these have BPA in them? Is there a way to tell?
April 16, 2008 at 10:58 pm
usa1ang, I’ve provided a few links to safer pacifier and sippy cup alternatives. Our best bet is to research which plastics, and in what scenarios, pose the greatest risk.
Surprisingly, the Environmental Working Group says that canned foods provide the greatest risk of BPA exposure (more so than baby bottles), but it’s probably best to mitigate all these risks to the best of your abilities.
This is a topic I’m continuing to monitor, so keep an eye out for more posts
April 18, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Can anyone send me a list of all the products that contain BPA…thanks guy.busssieres@sympatico.ca
April 19, 2008 at 6:39 am
Becky, your request for a list of all products containing BPA is a tough one. It’s because BPA is a key component of polycarbonate plastics and PVC plastics, which are widely used in food and beverage containers, housewares, consumer products, children’s toys - even our fillings at the dentist!
That said, your best bet is to:
1) Become aware of which plastics are most harmful (#7 and #3, for now)
2) Take steps to reduce such plastics from your life; look for alternatives to plastic
3) Reduce the amount of canned foods and beverages you consume (early studies says metal cans, which have a plastic liner, are the most likely to leach BPA)
4) Never heat any plastics in the microwave and wash all plastics by hand
5) Look for ways to counteract the effects of BPA on yoru health (I’m still looking into this one but I found a research study from Duke saying that pregnant women can protect their fetuses by taking folic acid)
Keep reading … I’m keeping a pretty close eye on this topic.
plastics in your life and eliminate the biggest risks. From what I’m
August 4, 2008 at 12:39 pm
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