Recently, researchers and the FDA have begun discussing a chemical found in some bottles, including some brands of baby bottles. The chemical in question is Bisphenol-A (BPA). At question is whether the chemical leaches out of the container into the food or drink contained. Water bottles and baby bottles are not the only containers in question because most food cans, along with many beer and soda containers are lined with BPA.

"BPA is used to harden plastics, keep bacteria from contaminating foods, and prevent cans from rusting and many food and liquid containers are made of or lined with materials containing BPA," says Stephen Pont, MD, MPH, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. "BPA has been shown to cause health problems in lab animals and so the concern is if it may also cause problems in humans, particularly in infants. Infants may be at greatest risk for BPA exposure and its potentially harmful health effects and so if it is practical you may want to take some precautionary measures to reduce your babies' exposure to BPA."

If you're concerned that your bottle contains BPA;

• Replace the bottle with a product that has stated it's BPA-Free. Many retailers are starting to remove bottles containing BPA.
  
  
• Check the bottom of the bottle. Polycarbonate plastic is clear and hard and is usually marked with a recycling label #7. Not all #7 labeled containers contain BPA though. Resin identification coding system (PDF) found on the bottom of containers and also referred to as the recycling number indicates which resin is in the plastic. The number has a triangle made of three arrows around it and is usually molded into the plastic. Not all resins and the equivalent numbers are under scrutiny.
  
  
  • #1 contains Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE),
  • #2 contains high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
  • #3 contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl),
  • #4 contains low-density polyethylene (LDPE),
  • #5 contains polypropylene (PP),
  • #6 contains polystyrene (PS), and
  • #7 (an 'other' category) indicates that a package is made with a resin other than the six listed above, or is made of more than one resin and used in a multi-layer combination. You may also see a "PC" stamped near the #7 which means polycarbonate. You may also find a #7 with the words "BPA Free" stamped.
  
  
  
• Minimize exposure. If you're pregnant, limit the number of canned products you use.
  
  
• Carry a stainless steel bottle with you and fill it with filtered water.
  
  
• When heating foods or liquids in the microwave, use ceramic, glass or microwavable-safe dishware.
  
  
• Choose baby bottles made from plastics that don't leach BPA (like polypropylene or polyethylene). Glass may seem like an alternative but it has its downside as well. "Glass baby bottles hit the floor frequently and break, can chip and could cut an infant," says Dr. Pont.

"Heating bottles through microwaving, boiling or washing them in the dishwasher may lead to the bottles releasing BPA into liquids (or formula) that they contain," says Dr. Pont. "So the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not washing these bottles in the dishwasher or heating food or liquids BPA containing containers."

Research shows BPA may mimic the hormone estrogen. Too much or too little of a certain hormone can have effects throughout the body and cause various endocrine disorders. Although many endocrine disorders that affect adults can affect children, the disorders may produce different symptoms in children.

Safe Cooking Alternatives

BPA is not the first material to come under scrutiny. Teflon and aluminum also have been known to leach into food under certain conditions. So, what can you cook with and drink from? Stainless steel, unless it's bonded with aluminum is considered safe. Glass, Pyrex, ceramic and ceramic-coated cast iron materials are all considered much safer alternatives to non-stick coated pots and pans. However, you'll want to research coatings as many can be substandard and possibly contain small amounts of lead. Cast iron cookware provides a good alternative and is relatively cheap.

Note to Runners: If you ran or walked in a Central Texas fitness event in the past few years, chances are you received a hard plastic bottle as a memento for your participation. It's a good idea to check the bottom of the bottle for the recycling label before you use it.

Additional Information

Report Shows Dangerous Chemical Can Leach From Baby Bottles

Stephen Pont , MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
UTMB Austin - Department of Pediatrics
UT-Austin Department of Kinesiology and Health Education

Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas
4900 Mueller Blvd.
Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 324-0165; Fax: (512) 324-0786