Bisphenol A

BPA is a estrogen type chemical found in plastics and has been linked with stuff that estrogen is linked to.  Big companies have made BPA-free bottles the norm.  Fine- they are responding to consumer demand.  But...

Until they put black box warnings on any fast food restaurant drive through order thingy, we have completely lost perspective on what is a health problem in the US.  Ok, you can control this exposure but sheesh, we have bigger and better things to worry about. 

So, if an estrogen exposure from plastic bottles is going to make a huge dent in your lifestyle because you have perfected your diet and exercise regularly, experience no stress, brush and floss, wear seat belts, go to all of your recommended check ups and have lifted yourself from poverty, then, well, avoid BPA.  Otherwise, fix the other stuff first.

Still worried?  Here's the info from the AAP:

Breastfeeding is one way to reduce potential BPA exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of 4 months but preferably for 6 months. Breastfeeding should be continued, with the addition of complementary foods, at least through the first 12 months of age and thereafter as long as mutually desired by mother and infant.

Parents considering switching children from liquid to powdered formula should be reminded that mixing procedures may differ, so they should pay special attention in preparing formula from powder.

Parents with babies on specialized formulas to address medical conditions should not switch children off those formulas, as the known risks of doing so would outweigh any potential risks posed by BPA.

Concerned parents can take the following precautionary measures to reduce babies' exposure to BPA:

• Avoid clear plastic bottles or containers with the #7 imprinted on them. Many contain BPA
• Consider using certified or identified BPA-free plastic bottles
• Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA
• Glass bottles can be an alternative, but be aware of the risk of injury to baby or parent if the bottle is dropped or broken
• Because heat may cause the release of BPA from plastic, consider the following:
  • Do not boil polycarbonate bottles
  • Do not heat polycarbonate bottles in the microwave
  • Do not wash polycarbonate bottles in the dishwasher
  • Risks associated with giving infants inappropriate (home-made condensed milk) formulas or alternative (soy or goat) milk are far greater than the potential effects of BPA

updated: October 30, 2008