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WHAT COULD BABY BOTTLES
AND BREAST CANCER HAVE IN COMMON?
By Beth Fiteni
Babies and breast cancer? Many parents would be
shocked to learn that the chemical compound Bisphenol-A, used
to make #7 polycarbonate plastic, is used in numerous commonly
available baby bottles, sippy cups, and the plastic liner
of some canned baby formulas. Plastic baby bottles are widely
used due to the convenience of not having to worry about breakage
if they fall on the floor. However, Bisphenol-A is a known
endocrine (hormone) disruptor, which may have long term negative
health effects in developing organs when it leaches into warm
milk or baby formula.
There is much debate about how harmful this chemical
is and what level might be considered “safe.” The chemical
industry says the amount the average person would be exposed
to is harmless, and others question the validity of industry
studies, saying it may lead to future cancer, infertility,
and behavioral problems. A recent study by the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) found that 95% of Americans have the
chemical in their urine. In September 2008 the U.S. National
Toxicology Program released a report stating that the agency
had some concern about the chemical’s potential health effects,
but further research is needed. Also in September 2008, the
Journal of the American Medical Association reported on a
study linking Bisphenol-A with higher risks of diabetes and
heart disease.
However, the good news is that until science gives
the final word on safety, there are alternatives. Companies
are now producing baby bottles labeled as Bisphenol-A free,
or made from #5 polypropylene. Thick glass bottles are another
alternative though care must be taken to avoid breakage. New
York State Senator Charles Schumer introduced a federal ban
on the chemical this year which has not yet been adopted,
but in the meantime companies like Toys-R-Us, Walmart, Whole
Foods and others have decided to pull baby bottles made with
this chemical from their shelves.
For further information, visit the following
websites www.preventionisthecure.org,
Prevention Is The Cure and
www.neighborhood-network.org, Neighborhood Network.
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