Heating food and liquids in these containers may cause health risks, especially to infants and children. It has been implicated as a cause of cancer, diabetes, ADHD, as well as neural and behavioral abnormalities. There is some concern about effects it may cause on the brain, prostate gland and mammary glands in fetuses, infants and children, even at current levels of exposure. As a result, a growing number of health agencies recommend parents consider purchasing bpa free bottles and products.

Studies performed as early as 2005, show that normal exposure to this chemical can harm the genital development of unborn boys, as well as make girls more likely to develop breast cancer. Prenatal exposure can set these wheels in motion. Continual exposure can also cause early puberty in girls.

It has also been linked to recurrent miscarriages. Women with repeated miscarriages have shown levels of BPA three times higher than women who carried a baby to term.

A study commissioned by a group of health organizations in the U.S and Canada entitled "Baby's Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular Brands of Baby Bottles" showed clearly that BPA leaches from plastic products whenever the plastic is heated. Another recent study showed that putting any of these plastic products into boiling water increased the release of BPA 55 times more than normal.

Not everyone is convinced of the risk. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that an "adequate margin of safety exists for BPA at current levels of exposure from food contact uses," according to an official assessment released in August.

The FDA commissioner, Andrew von Eschenbach has written on the FDA website: "…science creates these products and science must inform us of their risks. With regard to BPA thus far, the science FDA has reviewed does not justify recommending that anyone discontinue using these products."

Environmental groups do not agree, however. They argue that the FDA is ignoring dozens of studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) while relying on flawed studies from the industries that use BPA.

Despite this claim, evidence to the contrary is still growing. In September, 2008, The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study on the adults. They concluded "that higher urinary concentrations of BPA were associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities."(1)

Clearly, there is enough evidence now available to indicate a possible risk. When it comes to babies, most parents aren't willing to take chances. If you're concerned, consider buying bisphenol A free bottles.

You can find out more information about shopping for BPA free baby bottles and other ways to reduce your risk here.

Environmental Implications

According to Wikipedia, BPA is a pollutant that, even at low levels, can harm fish and organisms over time. (2)

For more detailed information on bisphenol A, visit the
Center for Health, Environment and Justice for more information.

Sources: (1)Association of Urinary Bisphenol A Concentration With Medical Disorders and Laboratory Abnormalities in Adults, The Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 300,No. 11, September 2008

(2) Bisphenol A Fact Sheet, Government of Canada. Assessed April 19, 2008.

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