Parents are often the first line of defense when it comes to protecting their children from possible threats. It is not uncommon for them to err on the side of safety when there is concern over whether something will negatively impact their children. Everything from lotions to layettes is scrutinized for its possible malefic effects. Understandably, sensitivities are heightened when food or nutrition is involved. So is the case with the recent concern over plastics containing bisphenol-A or BPA.
Even though the chemical has been tested and safely used in products for more than 30 years, a recent draft report issued in April by the National Toxicology Program has people thinking otherwise. This agency of the U.S. government´s National Institute of Health expresses concern over BPA´s effects on animals and the potential to cause problems in babies. Introducing BPA to babies´ developing immune systems may result in neural and behavioral problems. Heat has been found to increase the leaching of chemicals from these plastics into foods and beverages. Yet the Food and Drug Administration said that products containing BPA appear to be well within safety limits and that they see no reason to advise consumers to stop using these products, as many uses pose no risk to consumers.
This stance was not taken without controversy. Many would prefer another approach, since ingesting low doses of the chemical can also mimic estrogen in the human body. The debate continues to fuel research, which might force the Food and Drug Administration to take action to protect the public, if there is an increased threat.
However, that decision may come too late for many parents who desire to put the safety of their children first. Concerned parents would need to reconsider their purchasing decisions comprehensively, as BPA can surface in many plastic products, not just in bottles. BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastic, a clear shatter-resistant material in products ranging from baby and water bottles to sports equipment and even medical devices. While it can be found in a variety of places, its potential to become a threat seems to occur greatest in babies and when plastics are heated.
Safer alternatives do exist. Parents can consider using glass, stainless steel or plastic products that do not contain BPA, as well as limiting the heat from microwaves and dishwashers. The use of disposable drop-in bottle liners is also an option, since many of them are made of polyethylene plastic and do not contain BPA.
So how can you tell if your plastic items are at risk? Check the number that is inside the triangle recycling symbol for a clue. Products with a class-code number of 3, 6, or 7 might contain BPA, but this is not a guarantee. These class codes can indicate the presence of different types of chemicals, not necessarily BPA. The only way to know for sure is to contact the manufacturer. Additionally, there are some suggested plastic precautions from the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Services that have merit:
Don´t microwave polycarbonate containers. These containers are strong, stain-resistant, and often clear like glass, but practically shatter-proof.
Use glass, porcelain, microwavable ceramic or stainless steel food containers whenever possible. This is especially important if the food is hot.
Use BPA-free baby bottles and plastic items.
Don´t wash plastics in dishwasher or in extremely hot water.
Don´t reuse single-use plastic products.
Discard products with visible wear, scratches, cracks or opaque tint.
Don´t use plastic wrap in the microwave.
Whether parents decide to wait and see or take aggressive steps to safeguard their families, the possible effects of BPA are definitely an issue that necessitates further research, examining what goes into the mouths of babes.
This article was brought to you by CornerStorkBabyGifts.com, an online retail company specializing in boutique-quality baby gifts and baby shower favors. We are also dedicated to providing informative articles on pregnancy and prenatal health, infant and baby health, infant and baby safety, parenting skills and strategies, child abuse and other topics of interest to mothers- and fathers-to-be, parents and the public.
Even though the chemical has been tested and safely used in products for more than 30 years, a recent draft report issued in April by the National Toxicology Program has people thinking otherwise. This agency of the U.S. government´s National Institute of Health expresses concern over BPA´s effects on animals and the potential to cause problems in babies. Introducing BPA to babies´ developing immune systems may result in neural and behavioral problems. Heat has been found to increase the leaching of chemicals from these plastics into foods and beverages. Yet the Food and Drug Administration said that products containing BPA appear to be well within safety limits and that they see no reason to advise consumers to stop using these products, as many uses pose no risk to consumers.
This stance was not taken without controversy. Many would prefer another approach, since ingesting low doses of the chemical can also mimic estrogen in the human body. The debate continues to fuel research, which might force the Food and Drug Administration to take action to protect the public, if there is an increased threat.
However, that decision may come too late for many parents who desire to put the safety of their children first. Concerned parents would need to reconsider their purchasing decisions comprehensively, as BPA can surface in many plastic products, not just in bottles. BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastic, a clear shatter-resistant material in products ranging from baby and water bottles to sports equipment and even medical devices. While it can be found in a variety of places, its potential to become a threat seems to occur greatest in babies and when plastics are heated.
Safer alternatives do exist. Parents can consider using glass, stainless steel or plastic products that do not contain BPA, as well as limiting the heat from microwaves and dishwashers. The use of disposable drop-in bottle liners is also an option, since many of them are made of polyethylene plastic and do not contain BPA.
So how can you tell if your plastic items are at risk? Check the number that is inside the triangle recycling symbol for a clue. Products with a class-code number of 3, 6, or 7 might contain BPA, but this is not a guarantee. These class codes can indicate the presence of different types of chemicals, not necessarily BPA. The only way to know for sure is to contact the manufacturer. Additionally, there are some suggested plastic precautions from the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Services that have merit:
Don´t microwave polycarbonate containers. These containers are strong, stain-resistant, and often clear like glass, but practically shatter-proof.
Use glass, porcelain, microwavable ceramic or stainless steel food containers whenever possible. This is especially important if the food is hot.
Use BPA-free baby bottles and plastic items.
Don´t wash plastics in dishwasher or in extremely hot water.
Don´t reuse single-use plastic products.
Discard products with visible wear, scratches, cracks or opaque tint.
Don´t use plastic wrap in the microwave.
Whether parents decide to wait and see or take aggressive steps to safeguard their families, the possible effects of BPA are definitely an issue that necessitates further research, examining what goes into the mouths of babes.
This article was brought to you by CornerStorkBabyGifts.com, an online retail company specializing in boutique-quality baby gifts and baby shower favors. We are also dedicated to providing informative articles on pregnancy and prenatal health, infant and baby health, infant and baby safety, parenting skills and strategies, child abuse and other topics of interest to mothers- and fathers-to-be, parents and the public.
