Safety Communication Health Education Future
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Recently I received a suggestion from one of the Responsible Family readers that I cover Biosphenol A in baby bottles on our blog.  I have known and read about this topic for several months, but wasn't sure how to tackle the issue as it seems to change every time I read about it. 

More and more companies are revealing that their products actually do contain the toxic softening agent used in polycarbonate plastic, but there is a lot of dishonesty and ambiguity surrounding the issue for now.  Given this, I will do my best to tell you what you need to know. 

Here is the Low Down on Biosphenol A:

• For some reason the FDA is reluctant to explore the dangers of Biosphenol A despite a multitude of evidence pointing to the ill effects of the substance.  However, privately funded studies of major bottle manufacturers have shown that the chemical is present in popular brands of bottles and cups and that it can cause cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and hyperactivity.
• Biosphenol A in baby bottles and sippy cups has been linked to  developmental, neural and reproductive problems in children.
• Biosphenol A is leached into the bottle's contents when the plastic is heated, worn or cracked.  As the bottle is used, the contents are broken down and more of the chemical is leached into the liquids in the container.
• Recycling numbers on the bottoms of baby bottles do not necessarily give an accurate reading of the chemical (especially in instances where there is no number on the bottle).  Although parents are using this as a means to identify the chemical in products, it is not a reliable indicator.
• If a bottle does not have an easily detectable recycling number on the bottom, caregivers should assume it is not Biosphenol A Free.
• There are still a number of companies who are selling bottles and sippy cups with Biosphenol A.  Many of these companies label their products that contain Biosphenol A by saying that the product is "made of polypropelene" but fail to mention that there are parts of the product that are made of polycarbonate (which contains Biosphenol A!)
• If a plastic product does not say Biosphenol A Free, and you do not want your child exposed to this chemical, don't buy or use it!
• If a product says it is BPA Free, that means that none of the parts contained in the product have Biosphenol A.
• Just because a brand has one cup that is Biosphenol A Free does not mean that all cups or bottles in their line do not contain the chemical.  
• Environmental scientists advise against consumers heating plastics in dishwashers and microwaves or using harsh detergents as this causes the plastic to break down and increases the chances of the chemical being leached.
• Experts advise that caregivers use glass or "safe plastic" bottles and cups manufactured by companies with clean environmental backgrounds.
• Brands that have Biosphenol A Free products are:
  Adiri | Baby Bjorn | Baby Cie | BabySport | Babylife (Wee-go) | BFree | Born Free | Brita | Combi | DCI | Ezee Reach | Elegant Baby | Emily Green | Green to Grow | iPlay | Kidbasix | KidCo | Klean Kanteen | Medela | Mother's Milkmate | Mud Pie Baby | Natursutten | Not Neutral | Nurture Pure | Obentec | ORE Originals | Prince Lionheart | PUR | Rivadossi Sandro (Trebimbi) | SIGG | Silikids | Skip*Hop | Steadyco | Thermos | thinkbaby
• Baby bottles and sippy cups are not the only types of products where children can be exposed to Biosphenol A.  This chemical is also present in pacifiers, teethers and toys.  Always look for BPA Free Label.
• To be safest, only purchase plastic products that clearly state BPA Free or Biosphenol A Free.

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