Heard of Bisphenol-A (BPA)? If not, get ready, because you’re about to. The chemical is used in a variety of consumer products, but its use in water bottles, baby bottles, and food cans that has been a growing source of concern due to BPA’s possible links to number of health problems.
Now The Boston Globe is reporting that CVS has joined Wal-Mart, Nalgene and “other companies in pulling tens of thousands of the shatter-proof, transparent products off store shelves” because they contain BPA. According to the article, BPA has been linked to reproductive problems and possible cancers in animals. It’s also possible that it contributes to obesity. However, plastics industry representatives say “no study has proved a link between Bisphenol A and health problems in humans.”
So let me get this straight: a growing number of scientists and consumer groups have been warning about the possible dangers of BPA and now retailers, including the world’s largest, are pulling products containing BPA off the shelves. And while all this is happening, the chemical industry is saying not to worry? Hmm, I wonder whom I should trust with my family’s health.
Since the evidence is pointing toward BPA being harmful, does it make sense to keep using products that contain it? Of course not. Look, if the chemical industry turns out to be right, and independent studies support them, I’ll consider using products containing BPA again. But until that happens I’m going to look for alternatives.
What can you do?
Well, for starters, don’t panic. Although the list of possible medical issues is scary, remember that no direct link between BPA and those issues in humans has been identified. However, according to a source quoted by The New York Times article linked below, “research strongly suggested that polycarbonate food and beverage containers and food cans were the main source of human exposure to B.P.A.” So reducing or eliminating your family’s exposure to these sources should also reduce the potential risk. And doing this is easy:
1 – Check Your Plastic Bottles and Containers
Look at the recycling logo on any shatterproof plastic bottles or containers you’re using to store food or beverages, including baby bottles. If the number 7 appears inside the logo, the container may contain BPA and you should consider using alternatives. I found the logo on our Nalgene bottles, but thankfully not on our daughter’s cups. Her old bottles, Playtex Ventaire Naturals, had no recycling mark on them, but the Z Report (see below) shows other bottles in the Ventaire line as containing BPA, so I’m glad we’re done using them.
2 – Look for BPA-Free Alternatives
If you do find problem containers, see if you can identify other options, especially for baby bottles. One place to look is the Z Report on BPA in Children’s Feed Products. This site has BPA information for bottles, tableware, pacifiers, utensils, and more. They also offer a text-messaging service, a great option if you want information on a product while you’re in the store. Simply send a text message containing the company name and product line (e.g. ‘avent pacifiers’) and you’ll receive an automated reply with related information.
As far as food cans go, just reduce the amount of canned foods you eat by eating fresh or frozen foods instead. Of course, this also means you’ll probably be eating better, so that’s an added bonus.
3 – Learn More About Bisphenol A
This is a developing issue and both sides are trying to promote their views. The best thing you can do is stay informed and make up your own mind. Go beyond what you see on the nightly news and do your own research. I found the links below by searching Google for “Bisphenol A”, but there are plenty more out there.
- A Hard Plastic is Raising Hard Questions – New York Times (added 4/23)
- Canada Likely to Label Plastic Ingredient ‘Toxic’ – New York Times
- News You Can Use: How Can I Avoid BPA? – ABC News
- Bisphenol A Free
- National Geographic Green Guide
- Wikipedia Entry on Bisphenol A
- Z Recommends collection of BPA links (added 4/29)
- Safe Mamma BPA Free Bottle and Sippy Cup Cheat Sheet (added 5/07)
- Plastics Industry Sites:
So let’s hear from you: Did you find any products with BPA in your home? If so, what alternatives are you using?
By now I’m sure you’ve heard of Google Maps. Like many people, you’ve probably already used it (or a similar mapping service) to find directions to a new restaurant, store or other family destination. But now Southern New Hampshire families have another reason to use it: Google has mapped the Manchester and Nashua areas with their “Street View” feature.
My favorite kinds of products are those that are simple and useful. OnTray is just that. This simple little tray snaps onto the handle of shopping carts and can hold snacks for your child, coupons, a calculator, or whatever. The removable lid even stores on the bottom of OnTray.
I do my part when I fly. I show up at least an hour early – even earlier when I fly with my child. I pack carefully so that any TSA agent who decides to search my bag won’t have too much trouble getting though it quickly. I filter out all my liquids in my purse and my child’s diaper bag and make sure it all fits into my quart size bag (even though I am allowed more when I fly with my daughter). I can walk through most security check points without setting off an alarm, as I’m meticulous about what I wear and what is in my pockets. I even go so far as to make sure I wear easy off and on shoes so I don’t hold up the line. I never bring on more than my one carry on bag and one personal item (and that includes the diaper bag). And, as in the case of my last holiday trip, I pay for this privilege – A LOT!
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These days traveling by air seems more like a flying the frustrating skies rather than the friendly variety. Security and delays along with air carrier-centric policies make it very difficult for anyone to feel like you have any control over your life. Now add to that situation a toddler and you have multiplied that lack of control by at least 10 fold.