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  Massachusetts Warns Parents to Avoid BPA
Source: ExamHealth Date: 09/17/09
The Boston Globe reported on August 4th that the public health official of Massachusetts are telling parents of young children to avoid using baby bottles and other food and beverage containers made with the plastic-hardening chemical bisphenol A (BPA).
This
warning to consumers makes Massachusetts one of the first states to
take a stance on BPA. Connecticut is another with it’s ban on BPA from
infant
formula and baby food cans and jars, as well as in reusable food
and beverage containers sold in the state. Massachusetts is considering
the same ban but is awaiting the FDA’s decision on BPA
Due
to the large amount of criticism received, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration is re-examining their ruling which found that the amount
of bisphenol-A (BPA) in containers and baby bottles did not pose a
health risk.
Bisphenol-A
(BPA) is a chemical widely used to produce polycarbonate, a hard
plastic. More than 2 million metric tons of BPA were produced worldwide
in 2003. There is an increase in demand of 6% to 10% annually. It is
used extensively in epoxy resins lining food and beverage containers
and as a monomer in polycarbonate plastics in many consumer products.
There is widespread and continuous exposure to BPA, mostly through food
but also drinking water, dental sealants, dermal exposure, and
inhalation of household dusts. More than 90% of the US population have
detectable levels of BPA.
For
now, parents should look for BPA-free baby bottles and sippy cups.
Avoid heating formula in polycarbonate plastic bottles. Use glass,
porcelain and stainless-steel containers, especially for hot foods and
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