- At room temperature, plastic containers show no potential harm. It's when the plastic container is heated in the microwave, dishwasher or heated by extreme temperatures like a hot car that BPA mixes with the fluid in the container. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, a chemical that mimics a natural hormone tricking the body into responding by either overproducing or underproducing a hormone or by blocking the hormone from certain receptors.
- Plastic bottles including baby nursing bottles are marked by the manufacturer for further identification. On the bottom of the container, if the container is stamped with the number seven then the bottle contains BPA. Also, if a container is stamped with number three or six, then the container has a chemical that is similar to BPA and those plastic containers and bottles should be avoided as well.
- The National Toxicology Program, a division of the National Institute of Health states that BPA can cause brain problems and birth defects in fetuses, early puberty and reproductive issues in children, and cancer (breast and prostate) in adults. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested infant formula manufactured in metal cans that contained polycarbonate plastic liners, a high concentration of BPA was found in infant formulas like Enfamil.
- There are several steps to minimize your child's exposure to BPA. Use BPA-free products that are marked with PETE or etched with the numbers one, two, four or five. These bottles and containers are made with polyethylene plastics, a safe alternative to BPA. Buy infant formula in plastic or glass containers instead of metal cans that have polycarbonate liners. If you use baby bottles and sippy cups that contain BPA do not heat them. Do not wash plastic containers with harsh detergents, in the dishwasher, or heat them in the microwave.
- The Obama Administration and the FDA is reviewing the data on BPA and its effects on the American public. Through the nation's food supply, over 90 percent of American population is exposed to BPA. There is evidence that supports that BPA even at low doses poses an enormous risk to the public health. New regulation is expected to be drafted prohibiting the chemical's contact with the nation's food supply.
