I was listening to a program on NPR a few months ago about bis-phenol A (BPA), which is a potentially dangerous chemical in certain plastic baby bottles and in the liner of some baby formula cans. While there is no definitive evidence as to the actual risks for infants, laboratory tests show that there is reason for concern.
The problem arises as a result of potential leaching of the chemical into the liquid inside the bottle or can. When your baby drinks the liquid in the container, they may be ingesting some amount of BPA.
What caught my attention while listening to the program was that Canada and other countries have banned or are in the process of banning use of this chemical in certain products because of the safety concern. So far, the FDA has not shown that level of commitment. This automatically raises the question as to why.
The experts being interviewed on NPR are calling for the FDA to take immediate action on this issue. It was also suggested that perhaps the companies that use BPA may be influencing the FDA's lack of interest.
Studies so far suggest that BPA may cause certain types of brain damage, affect the reproductive system, increase the likelihood of hyperactivity and may also be a carcinogen. And exposure to the chemical doesn't stop with baby bottles and formula cans. It is contained in many other products as well, from water bottles to eyeglass lenses to DVD's.
With the information available so far, it seems intuitive that perhaps BPA is a real health risk. After all, why would other countries totally ban its use if its danger was in doubt. At the very least, the FDA should aggressively investigate the potential harm of BPA and if there is even a small chance that our children are at risk, stop its use.
Below are some links to other articles on this topic. Do your own investigation and make an informed decision as to its potential risk. If you don't want to take any chances with your child, start using glass bottles and make sure the baby formulas you use aren't contained in BPA laced cans.
If you want further action taken once you educate yourself, go to MORELINX and send a note of concern to your Congress person. I personally believe the potential risk is significant enough to warrant communication with our leaders.
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