Scientists have been tossing the Bisphenol A issue around for several years now, and about 12 months ago a Canadian group released an advisory that cautioned against the use of plastic babies bottles containing the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA).
Bisphenol A is a chemical, found in polycarbonate plastic, and is used in a range of food containers, from baby and water bottles to the resins that line metal food cans, and while scientific groups have fallen short of classifying BPA as a dangerous substance, it does advise caution.
Studies conducted so far have been conducted on rodents with higher doses of exposure than we are likely to see with household use of plastics, however given that exposure to this chemical could be cumulative (builds up over a period of time) we are wise to exercise caution. Polycarbonate plastics (identified by the #7 recycling symbol), may leach BPA. Bisphenol A is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor, meaning it disturbs the hormonal messaging in our bodies. Synthetic xenoestrogens are linked to breast cancer and uterine cancer in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, and are particularly devastating to babies and young children. BPA has even been linked to insulin resistance, Type 2 Diabetes and acceleration of puberty in females. Scientific groups have agreed that there was some concern that exposure to the chemical could cause neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants, and children. So this is definitely not something we should be putting into the mouths of babes.
Plastic water bottles are very convenient for carting water around when we are on the go, as they don’t break if we drop them. However, it is worth paying attention to the type of plastic your water bottle is made of, to ensure that the chemicals in the plastic do not leach into the water, especially in hot climates. It might be wise not to store your drinking water (aqua) in plastic bottles and leave them in hot places (e.g. your car). Heat and plastic are not a good mix. If you can taste plastic, you are drinking it, so get yourself another bottle.
To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach, check the recycling symbol on your bottle. If it is a #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is usually a #1, and is only recommended for one time use. Do not refill it. Better to use a reusable water bottle, and fill it with your own filtered water from home and keep these single-use bottles out of the landfill.
Tips for Limiting Exposure to BPA
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (USA) has posted the following tips on its web site for people who want to limit their exposure to bisphenol A:
- Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from overuse at high temperatures.
- Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom.
- Reduce your use of canned foods.
- When possible, opt for glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot foods or liquids.
- Breast feed your baby! Or if you cannot breast feed used baby bottles that are BPA-free. (Teats, dummies, nipple shields etc are made of silicone or rubber so are not a concern for BPA).
As for locally available babies bottles there’s no surprises here; the cheaper the bottle, the higher the risk for exposure to BPA’s. Check the label on the bottle for “BPA Free” or use glass bottles.
A full range of BPA free bottles are available at the pharmacy / baby shop downstairs of my office in Kuta. For more information on location please go to www.chcbali.com.
