GreenSage E-zine 05/2008

Baby Bottles, Water Bottles and the Bisphenol-A Concern

There's little question that we are being exposed to Bisphenol-A (BPA). Scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detected BPA in nearly 93 percent of the 2,517 people age 6 and older who were tested. Children had the highest levels, followed by teens and female adults, then males.

Laboratory studies on the effects of BPA have found reproductive problems when exposed to high levels of BPA. In 2007, a panel with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences issued a report on BPA that expressed moderate concern about in utero exposure to BPA because of possible "neural and behavioral effects."

In the last three years, over 130 studies have examined the effects of BPA on humans. As a result of these studies, BPA has been linked to a variety of health concerns including increased risk of certain cancers, and altered brain development and neurological behavior. Infants, in particular, are at increased risk during critical periods of their development.

Where the exposure is coming from is being debated. The chemical is used in food-storage containers, some clear plastic pitchers used for filtered water, refillable water bottles, baby bottles and the lining of soft-drink and food cans. Canned beverages appear to contain less of the chemical than canned foods like soup, pasta, fruits and vegetables, which are often processed at high temperatures. Virtually every canned product, even those labeled organic, has a liner with BPA. One brand, Eden Organic Baked Beans, says it uses a BPA-free can.

We say just eliminate the sources you already know are possibilities. Don't purchase plastics that you know have the potential to contain BPA. In recent studies Polycarbonates, plastics labeled with #7 recycling symbol, have shown they can leach Bisphenol-A. In the body, BPA mimics the hormone estrogen, becoming what's known as a zeno-estrogen. BPA is common in a variety of household products, including food packaging, CDs, electronic equipment, automobiles and sports equipment. Of particular concern are water bottles and baby bottles made from Polycarbonates.

BPA migrates into food from Polycarbonate plastic bottles or the epoxy resin coatings that line canned food. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported that 'In studies, exposing plastic products to the heat of a microwave, dishwasher or hot foods, caused more BPA to migrate into food. Heating degrades the chemical bond that holds Polycarbonate plastic together. Some studies, however, have detected leaching even at room temperature. Heavily scratched or worn plastic products degrade faster.'

The typical adult ingests an estimated 1 microgram of BPA for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. Babies who use Polycarbonate bottles and formula from cans get more, an estimated 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. A microgram represents a trace amount.

Polypropylene, glass, and polyethylene bottles (#1, 2, and 4) are considered safe. However, plastic bottles should not be subjected to high temperatures. Rather than using the dishwasher, wash them in the sink with warm water and soap and let them air dry.

Better yet, purchase BPA-free bottles. Here are a few reported to be BPA-free.

* Adiri: The new “Natural Nurser” line is 100% polycarbonate- and BPA-free.
* Born Free (5 and 9 oz): Made with polyamide plastic or glass; BPA-free.
* Dr. Brown: Only their Glass bottles are BPA-free.
* Evenflo: Only their Glass bottles are BPA-free.
* Gerber: bottles are reported to soon be BPA-free.
* Medela: breast pump kits and bottles are BPA-free.
* Playtex: Breast milk storage kit made with polypropylene; BPA-free.