By DAVID DERBYSHIRE
Last updated at 20:19pm on 6th May 2008


Parents could be putting their children at risk by using baby bottles made with 'gender-bending' chemicals, a charity warned yesterday.

The National Childbirth Trust called on manufacturers to put warning labels on bottles made with Bisphenol A.

The chemical, which mimics the female hormone oestrogen, can pass from clear plastics into milk, water and juice - particularly when containers are heated.

Scientists in the U.S. have linked exposure to low levels with fertility problems, breast cancer and early puberty.

Canada is phasing out bottles made with Bisphenol A because of the health fears, while the U.S. store chain Wal-Mart - the world's biggest retailer - is banning them.

There have been concerns about the chemical for more than a decade. However, it is still used in nine out of ten plastic baby bottles. Belinda Phipps, the chief executive of the National Childbirth Trust, said it was important that parents had all the facts.

"As a first step, it is important that bottles and other items that might reach a baby's mouth are labelled in a standard and easy to understand way," she added.

Last month, American scientists working for a Government-funded research programme published results of their latest tests of Bisphenol A's effect on animals.

They concluded that exposure to low levels "can cause changes in behaviour and the brain, prostate gland, mammary gland and the age at which females attain puberty".

Babies are thought to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the chemical because they are growing.

Earlier this year, another U.S. study at the University of Cincinnati found that the level of Bisphenol A which leaches from plastic bottles increases dramatically when the containers are filled with hot liquids.

Elizabeth Salter Green, of the campaign group Chemtrust, called for Bisphenol A to be banned from all plastic products where there is a risk of leaching.

"It is unwise to make products for vulnerable sections of society using this chemical," she said. "Because of its ability to leach out into milk, it should not be used in baby bottles."

Asda, which is owned by Wal-Mart, said it had no plans to ban bottles containing Bisphenol A in the UK.

However, the supermarket is introducing a Bisphenol A-free range in the summer.

A spokesman for the Chemical Industries Association said the use of Bisphenol A in food and drink products was given the all-clear by UK and European food standards authorities last year.

"They have also confirmed that the trace levels to which we are exposed through eating and drinking do not present a health risk," he said.



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Latest on chemical found in water and baby bottles

Reported by: Joe Ducey at abc15
Last Update: 5/20 7:38 pm



Many people are concerned about the chemical bisphenol A or BPA. The chemical is found in some plastics and is being exposed to people.

There are still a lot of questions about the potential danger and what you can do to limit your exposure. ABC 15 wants to make sure you have the latest information.

BPA is a chemical used in plastics that line food cans; make baby and water bottles and many other products.

Many environmental health organizations in the U.S. and Canada are concerned about the chemical’s effect on people. Reports like one from the National Toxicology Program show humans have a high level of exposure of the chemical due to it’s contact with food made and stored in these products.

They say it acts like the hormone estrogen and worry it’s linked to early sexual development and diseases like autism and ADHD.

Many environmental health groups want the products containing BPA removed from store shelves. Wal Mart stores say they plan to remove baby bottles with the chemical and Toys R Us is considering a similar move. Canada has already put a ban on products containing BPA. U.S. Democrats have also proposed a ban.

The Food and Drug Administration says there is an ongoing review on BPA. Based on that review it believes: “Exposure levels are below those that may cause health effects.”
They are not recommending you discontinue using products with the chemical.

You should know that most people have a measurable amount of BPA in their blood. Also, it’s known that BPA is toxic at some level of exposure, but that level is not known.

If you are concerned, there are some ways you can limit exposure.

Don’t microwave or use boiling water in products known to have BPA.

Don’t use polycarbonate plastic water bottles. Use aluminum instead.

Use glass baby bottles or those specifically labeled BPA free.

Use powdered baby formula.


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