Thursday, May 8, 2008

UFI--BPA

Recently my friend Erin clued me into the Bisphenol-A (BPA) and its potential leaching out of certain plastics. There is concern that this chemical can be a possible carcinogen and yet it is used in many infant and children's items. Canada has recently banned the use of this chemical in baby items and stores in the United States are banning BPA too. Amazon has even set up a BPA-free Store on its website.

Below is a good summary article and a chart that helps makes heads and tails of this plastic issue.
The Green Guide: Summary of the Debate Surrounding BPA

Plastic Products at a Glance Chart

I am still trying to come up to speed on this issue while not panicking that R used Avent bottles (one of the worst BPA leaching offenders) for an entire year.

7 comments:

Slacker Mama said...

Here's a pretty comprehensive list of baby products containing BPA:

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html

And, don't beat yourself up for doing something that you (a) can't change, and (b) didn't know about. At least that's what I'm trying to do about the 18 months E and 12 months used Dr. Brown's Bottles.

Oh...and scoot on over to my blog I have a BBQ questoin for you!

Steel Magnolia said...

Same here...B and J used Dr Browns for 12 months too....

Deep in the Heart said...

We loved our Dr. Brown's and then Avent sippies, too. My main problem now is the fact that it's not recommended that you put the plastic stuff in the dishwasher. How am I supposed to be a good Mommy and pack lunch (for them and me) in reusable containers and then not be allowed to put them in the dishwasher???

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Deep in the Heart...

I use primarily glass containers now. I know, they are breakable, but the small pyrex ones are really, really tough and haven't been broken yet.

I did this without knowing about BPA, but just because I don't like microwaving plastic.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this, SPC. What kills me is that Amazon does list supposed BPA-free products, yet incorrectly has Playtex Ventaires on there, which contain BPA! How frustrating for consumers trying to do the right thing....

Mama in Training said...

J, I thought only products with a recycle code of 4 were of concern??? It's SO confusing! The Post had an article a couple weeks ago about it that was very helpful! I'm trying to buy some new bottles now but didn't find them at Target.
Miss you!

Sweet Pea Chef said...

M-I-T:

Yeah, I get confused too. That is why I like that cheat sheet I found...but it is hard! Good luck tracking down the bottles you want.

Miss you too!