BPA & Baby Bottles
Today, Carole Arsenault of Newborn Nurses offers a handy guide on BPA and baby bottles:
“BPA (Bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical found in polycarbonate plastic. These plastics are used in many baby products including bottles. The latest research links BPA to possible health problems in humans. Those most vulnerable to the negative effects are infants and young children.
In June 2005, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported in their article Home Toxic Home: ‘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.’
Since the summer of 2005, 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.
To minimize exposure to BPA, the EWG recommends that bottles used by babies should be polycarbonate free. Polypropylene, glass, and polyethylene bottles (#1, 2, and 4) are considered safe. Also, bottles should not be subjected to high temperatures; instead wash them in the sink with warm water and soap and let them air dry.
The good news is that many bottle manufactures are responding to these reports by making BPA-free bottles available to consumers. The following is a summary of bottle brands and their current BPA status (links are included for BPA-free bottles):
| Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing
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ZRecs has a great report on BPA bottles and a follow up report coming out soon. Check it out here: http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/11/z-report-bisphenol-in-baby-bottles-and.html
Posted by: Abby | February 15, 2008 9:27 AM
Having just looked into the different options for my second baby (for my first I used Avent), I wanted to add some clarification about the Playtex line, especially because this is currently one of the cheapest safe options. The VentAire line is polycarbonate. But the Premium Nurser system used with Drop-ins or disposable bags from Playtex or other popular breastmilk storage bags such as Lanisoh are free of BPA and polycarbonate. Because this system was not specifically designed to be free of these chemicals and is generally more down market than Avent and Dr. Brown's it is much cheaper than Born Free, etc. Hope this is helpful.
Posted by: Sarah F | February 15, 2008 8:45 PM
Gerber actually sells a BPA-free 9oz bottle called GERBER GENTLEFLOW that is explicitly designed to mimic Avent and is significantly cheaper than Avent or Born Free or the other "designer" BPA-free lines. I called Gerber's 800 number to confirm that they are in fact made of polypropylene and thus BPA-free. The nipples leave much to be desired (flow is too fast for my breast-fed newborn, and my sister says she's had them collapse), but you can actually put Avent collars and nipples on the bottle, and it works GREAT. Only place I've found them is Walgreens, but it's worth the extra trip to the store.
Posted by: Beth | May 16, 2008 4:30 PM
maybe BPA causes autism ?
Posted by: daniela mars | May 14, 2009 6:50 PM