by Wyatt Myers
June 13, 2010

Ignorance is bliss. Or so they say. Remember the good old days, when you didn’t worry about what your baby’s bottle was made from? Glass, plastic…it didn’t seem to make a difference other than the look, feel, and style. That all changed in 2008, when the National Toxicology Program released its report on bisphenol A (commonly known as BPA), a chemical found in plastics. At that time, the government agency stated a series of concerns about the chemical used in many plastic food containers, including baby bottles. Among those concerns was that human exposure to BPA could cause brain, behavior, and prostate gland problems in fetuses, infants, and children.

The resulting firestorm included a wave of alarming media reports about BPA…and a rush to dispose of baby bottles and other food containers made with BPA in favor of new BPA-free alternatives. Soon, “BPA-free” was a major advertising catchphrase as companies sought to profit from the controversy. Despite the media frenzy, the risks of BPA appear to be very real. And parents should remain vigilant in this time when BPA remains unregulated.

Two years later, researchers are able to tell us more about the risks of BPA. including a “growing link between BPA and several diseases, including various cancers.” And though it’s been known for some time, it is just starting to resonate with consumers that the resin lining the inside of many cans also contains BPA. Even canned foods can lead to exposure to the potentially harmful chemical for you and your children. In fact, recent tests in Europe found trace amounts of BPA lining beverage containers made by the likes of Becks, Fanta, Sprite, and Red Bull, though the levels found are currently considered safe.

BPA legislation update
Despite our increased knowledge of the risks of BPA, the government has done surprisingly little to protect us from these inherent risks. As the President’s report indicates, the use of BPA in food packaging, beverage containers, can liners, or any other use is unregulated by the government. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration is maintaining its position that exposure to low levels of BPA is safe.

Change seems to be coming, though, at least on the international front, as Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA) recently advised manufacturers, importers, and users of BPA to choose alternative substances that pose less risk to human health and the environment.

Parents who are worried about BPA may get some protection from U.S. Congress in the form of a pending food safety reform bill, but exactly what effect that will have on BPA in food packaging is unclear. The bill has passed the House of Representatives, and Senator Dianne Feinstein of California recently proposed an amendment to the bill that would ban BPA from all food and beverage containers.

However, several powerful food industry groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Grocery Manufacturers Association, have bristled at this proposed amendment. Some have suggested that the five powerful manufacturers of BPA, who sell $6 billion worth of the chemical each year, might be behind this pushback.

How parents can protect their families
While waiting for the government to make up its mind about BPA, the best thing you can do is protect yourself is to follow the National Institutes of Health recommendations:

• Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from overuse at high temperatures.

• Avoid plastic containers that have a “#7” on the bottom. These are the ones that often contain BPA.

• Reduce your use of canned foods.

• When possible, opt for glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot foods or liquids.

• Use baby bottles that are BPA-free.