BPA-Containing Baby Bottles Banned in Chi-town

According to NYTimes.com, Chicago has become the first U.S. city to outlaw baby bottles and sippy cups that contain bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been linked to diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and liver disease ⁽¹⁾.  This toxic chemical is used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics (e.g. – bottles, containers), and can be leached into the liquid inside the bottle, especially when heated.  The FDA is aware of this, but continues to declare BPA as safe.  Big surprise, huh?

I first read about BPA a couple of years ago, right around the time my daughter was born.  So needless to say, my wife and I made the easy decision to purchase all BPA-free bottles.  Our daughter was breastfed, so it was important for us to keep her milk as pure as possible since it needed to be heated sometimes.

BPA isn’t exclusive to baby bottles and cups.  It exists in virtually all plastic containers, which is why I use my own bottle (glass or Sigg) to transport my water.  And I’d recommend that you do the same.  Because we are constantly bombarded with dangerous toxins daily in our food, air, cosmetics, building materials, it’s imperative that we limit our exposure whenever possible.  The American Chemical Council as well as other industry groups continue to deny that this problem exists, but it’s painfully obvious that their loyalties lie with manufacturers, not consumer health.  However, science supports the adverse health affects of BPA and it’s good to see that local governments and municipalities aren’t waiting for the sluggish and bureaucratic FDA to ban BPA nationwide.

According to a recent evaluation by the National Institutes of Health ⁽²⁾, to reduce yours and your infants exposure:

• Don’t microwave plastic bottles and containers as BPA can break down and leach into the contents
• Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom
• Reduce your use of canned foods (the resin on the inside of the can containers BPA)
• Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, especially for hot food or liquids
• Use baby bottles that are BPA free

You can be proactive about your health and not have to wait for any governing body to govern what goes into your body.  So, make a conscious decision for you and your family to limit your toxic exposure.  Saying ‘No’ to BPA is a good start.

References:

⁽¹⁾ http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/300.11.1353

⁽²⁾ http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm

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1. BPA Linked to Impotence