BPA Baby Bottle Bans

There has been a lot of talk lately about BPA (bisphenyl A). BPA is a chemical found in some types of plastic used in many containers that store or deliver water, juice, pop, baby formula, etc. The charge against BPA is that its a toxic leaching agent found in certain types of plastic that adversely affect pregnant women, infants and children. There is also some evidence to suggest increased risks of certain types of cancer. Not surprisingly, there are detractors of these claims are out there. The regulation of food grade plastic will affect a billion dollar industry world wide so the spin doctors are at it. Unravelling the whole thing is difficult and often leads to contradictory claims and evidence. A quick skim through the google-powered inter-webs has led to some interesting items:

- BPA exists in polycarbonate plastic (some Nalgene or Avent baby bottles) but not polypropylene.
- April 2008 Health Canada proposed classifying BPA as toxic to human health and the environment.
- Canada has also banned the use of BPA plastic in baby bottles since 2007.
- Since 2006 German and Japanese regulators have pronounced polycarbonate baby bottles are safe and that BPA research has so far been inconclusive.
- A number 7 recycling triangle on your plastic indicates material that includes polycarbonates, a number 1 indicates a bottle that isn't meant to be re-used.
- The Canadian Government's official take.
- A more frantic appeal.
- In defense of BPA - tough to find since the FDA rescinded this decision on BPA and has recently decided to follow Canada's lead on banning the baby bottle BPA's.
- The US senate and house has this month introduced bills that would ban BPA altogether from the consumer goods market place.

If all this is confusing and irritating and you just want to choose something that doesn't require reading lab reports for determination, use stainless or glass.

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