[clumpy]

ABOUT BPA

What is BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical contained in polycarbonate plastic and some synthetic resins and pesticides.

BPA is a synthetic oestrogen, meaning it acts similarly to that hormone and can disrupt how the human body's hormonal systems work. It has been linked to reproductive cancers, diabetes and other hormone-related diseases. Some scientists believe BPA may also be linked to trends including:

- increased abnormal penis development in males
- earlier sexual development in females
- increases in developmental diseases such as ADHD and autism
- increased child obesity
- decreased sperm count
- increased rates of breast and prostate cancer.

This has been reinforced by some studies with laboratory animals in which consumption of BPA led to reproductive changes.

How do humans consume BPA?

All substances, including plastic, break down over time and through use/extended storage. (This is why bottled water has a use-by date.) As polycarbonate plastic deteriorates, it leaches BPA into the substances it contains.

Heating or cooling polycarbonate plastic to extreme temperatures speeds up its deterioration, so that more BPA ends up in the contents of the bottle or container.

This applies whether the containers are in the dishwasher, microwave, boiling water, submerged in hot water (eg to heat milk/formula), or in the freezer. It’s believed that “with as few as 50-100 washings—even before you see wear—significant amounts of bisphenol A can leach into your baby’s milk.”(Source: www.downtoearthorganics.com.au / www.ecochild.com.au)

What about products that I don’t heat up?

Research suggests that even non-heated products leach out BPA as well, especially if things are stored in them for extended periods. It just happens more slowly.

However, BPA also leaches faster if a container is old, scratched or cracked.

If BPA is everywhere, why do people think BPA in baby bottles is such a big deal?

BPA is also found in some pesticides and many other common plastic items, but is of particular concern with baby bottles and other baby products because:

- children are more vulnerable to hormonal changes;
- in most cases, a small number of bottles/dummies/other items are reused (and resterilised) daily, so the plastic breaks down faster;
- most of the baby products in question spend a lot of time in childrens’ mouths, which is a highly efficient delivery method for any chemical.

What does the Government say?

Food Standards Australia & New Zealand says:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently completed a review of the scientific literature for BPA and determined a maximum daily ‘safe limit’ for BPA. They concluded that the estimated total daily intake of BPA by a bottle-fed baby would be less than 10% of the ‘safe level’ for babies, when the bottles were cleaned using normal domestic conditions, and about 20% of the ‘safe limit’, when the bottles were cleaned under exaggerated conditions including the use of boiling water or strong solvents. In adults, the estimated daily intake from canned foods and beverages would be about 5% of the ‘safe limit’.

FSANZ agrees with the EFSA risk assessment but will examine other regulatory reviews, including those from Canada. Source

As FSANZ states, research is ongoing.

However, the risk is being taken seriously enough that the Canadian Government is banning BPA in childrens' feeding products, and some major retailers (eg Wal-mart) are withdrawing them from sale.

Ultimately you have to weigh up the risks and make a decision for yourself.

Wise words to keep in mind:

“There is a lot of info to be found, some of it clearly scaremongering and some of it obviously put out there by the plastics industry so you need to use your common sense. - krisp”

More information:
The Z Report on BPA in Infant Care Products – excellent product information
FSANZ Position
Smart Plastics Guide Healthier Food Use of Plastics factsheet
WebMD

Disclaimer: Although I have taken care to gather information only from reliable sources, this thread is collated from information already posted on Essential Baby and other websites, and should be used as a guide only. If you are concerned about a particular product, you are best advised to contact the manufacturer directly.

Particular thanks to Tarli, zazzy and krisp, whose posts on this subject have been great.

[clumpy]

BUYERS GUIDE

How can I tell if plastic is polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate plastic is generally hard, non-coloured and very clear (think most baby bottles). Coloured or milky, flexible plastic (like Medela or Mam UltiVents) are the safer option.

Most of the plastic alternatives to polycarbonate will be made of polypropylene, which does not contain BPA and is generally believed to be safe.

The list below includes overseas brands, but lists those readily available in Australia FIRST for EB members' convenience.

If you are aware of any errors or omissions please let me know and I will amend the list.

Note: "Bottles"� relates to the container, lid, neck, etc only. Bottle teats are made from silicone or latex and do NOT contain BPA. Therefore, teats from BPA-containing bottles (such as Avent or Pigeon) can be used on BPA-free bottles.

BABY BOTTLES

BPA-Free plastic

- MAM UltiVent - wide neck teat available on eBay, from Baby Target, Toys R Us, some pharmacies, customerservice@sahai.com.au, Big W. Fits Pigeon and Avent wide-neck teats, Avent handles.
- Green To Grow - wide neck teat, narrow neck teat, available from online retailers. Takes Avent teats but extensive leaking reported by EB members.Review
- Milk and Tickles- bottles change colour.
- Medela (all bottles) - standard narrow neck, available at Toys R Us and Baby Bunting. Teats available through ABA.
- Nuby: Standard Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, Standard Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, 3-Stage Wide Neck Easy Grip Feeding System with Non-Drip Nipple. Fits Avent and Pur teats.
- Nuby (or Tommee Tippee in australia) 2 stage bottle (also called the grow nurser). It comes with removable handles as well as a spout.Source, source.
- BornFree: All bottles and cups BPA free
- Adiri Natural Nursers - American brand sold online at Eco Child
- Avent Via disposable bottles
- EvenFlo: Glass bottles, Classic Tinted Polypropylene bottles
- Playtex: Original Nurser,Opaque Soft Bottle (discontinued), Playtex Drop in liners
- Gerber/Nuk: Gerber Clearview, Fashion Tints (also called Plastic Pastels�), Gerber GentleFlow
- Sassy Baby Food Nurser Kit
- ThinkBaby Bottles
- Dr. Browns Natural Flow Polypropylene bottles (due in stores late 2008/early 2009)

Glass
- Happy Baby glass bottles
- Nuk glass bottles
- Momo Glass Bottles
- Munchkin: Dora the Explorer Classic Bottles
- Nuture Pure Glass bottles
- Babisil Silbottles
- Weego Glass Bottles
- Siliskin Glass Bottles
- Dr Browns: Glass Bottles (all vent system pieces BPA Free)
- Siliskin Glass Bottle Covers to protect glass from breakage: Website
(NOTE: If storing expressed breast milk in the refrigerator it is recommended to use plastic rather than glass bottles, as the leukocytes - white blood cells - in the EBM are believed to attach to the glass. Source)

Contains BPA
- Avent ; the company has announced it will be launching a BPA-free bottle range in 2008
- Dr Browns ; the company has announced it will launch a BPA-free bottle range in 2008
- Nuk plastic bottles
- Pigeon plastic bottles
- Happy Baby polycarbonate (plastic) SteadiflowTM and decorated infant bottles

BREAST PUMPS
BPA-Free Plastic
- Medela

Contains BPA
- Avent
- Dr Browns Manual Breast Pump, Electric Breast pump

SIPPY CUPS

BPA-Free Plastic
- Magmag cup (Pigeon) - start with a bottle teat top, then a shaped sippy spout, then a straw top as they develop. ($25 for set containing the cup and all three tops.) No leaks so far.
- Avent Magic Cups, Super Sport Cups - http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/11/z-report...ent.html]Review
- Nuby: No-Spill Sports Sipper, Insulated Soft Silicone Spout Cup, Soft Spout Easy Grip Cup, Gripper Cup with Soft Silicone Spout, 2-Handle Cup, Tinted Mega Sipper (sold at Target, around $7; they have the soft silicone top which is an easy transition for babies and doesn't leak.)
- The First Years: Take & Toss, Spill-proof Cup, Insulated Cup, Licensed character sippy cups, Insulated Spill-proof Cup, 2 Handled Cups
- Playtex: Coolster Tumbler, Insulator, Einstein Training Cup, Sipster, Create My Own, Quick Straw, Insulator Sport, Sip and Discover, First Sipster
- Gerber: Sip & Smile Spill-proof Cup, Easy Grip Insulated Soft Straw Cup, Insulated Cool Cup, Fun Grips Color Change Spill-proof Cup, Grins & Giggles Spill-proof Cup (source)
- BornFree sippy/drinking cups - http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/11/z-report...ree.html]Review Kleen Kanteen
- Thermos Foogo Sippy Cups, and drinking bottle with straw Review
- SIGG Toddler Water Bottles
- Kid Basix The Safe Sippy
- Boon Sippy
- GrowPure Multi-Stage Feeder and Sippy Cup
- iPlay Aqua Bottle
- ThinkBaby Training Cup
- Sassy Snack Time Infa-Trainer Cup
- Munchkin: Cupsicle, Cupsicle Straw Cup, Big Kid Sippy Cup, Mighty Grip Flip Straw Cup, Mighty Grip Trainer Cup, licensed character Sports Bottles, Re-usable Straw Cups, Re-usable Spill-proof Cups

Contains BPA
- Heinz Baby Basics First Trainer Cup. Although Heinz says the cup is BPA free, the no-spill valve IS made of polycarbonate.
- Dr Browns Training Cup

MILK/LIQUID/FORMULA STORAGE

BPA-Free Plastic
- Avent Via 8-oz. Nurser Kit
- Avent Snack Cup / Formula Dispenser
- Pigeon Stacking Formula Dispenser
- Mothers Milkmate Storage bottles
- Medela Milk Storage bottles and breastpump accessories
- Playtex One-Step Breast Milk Storage Kit
- Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
- Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bottles
- Gerber Breastmilk Storage Bags
- Dr. Browns Breastmilk Storage Bags
- The First Years Easy Pour Breastmilk Storage bags

BABY FOOD / FOOD STORAGE

BPA-Free
- Baby Cubes baby food storage system - available at Toys R Us
- So Easy Fresh Baby Food Kit
- Laptop Lunch System
- Munchkin: Snack Catcher, Baby Food Grinder, Fresh Food Feeder, Powdered Formula Dispensers
- Baby Bjorn Plate and Spoon set
- Skip Hop Table Fun Mealtime Set, Palette Plate

DUMMIES

BPA-Free
- NUK Original, NUK Classic, NUK Nautical
- The First Years: Soothies Silicone Pacis, Safe Comfort, Ultra Kip
- Vice Versa Binky w/ Case
- Natursutten Natural Rubber Paci
- Evenflo: Mimi Soft Touch, Mimi Premium, Mimi Neo One-Piece, Vizion, Fuzion and Illuzion
- Gumdrop Silicon Pacifiers
- Playtex: Playtex 'Binky' (one piece silicone pacifier), Binky Most Like Mother Latex Pacifier, Binky Most Like Mother Silicone Pacifier, Binky Angled Pacifier, Ortho-Pro Pacifier
- Eco Baby Non-toxic Natursutten Pacifiers - available online
- Happy Baby - all dummies

Contains BPA
- Mam
- Avent
More information on safe dummy choices

TEETHERS

BPA-Free
- Sassy: Sassy Jelly Fish Teethers, Sassy Cooling Teether, Sassy Chilly Dilly Daisy, Sassy Teething Feeder, Sassy Teach Me Toothbrush Set, Sassy Teething Tunes, Sassy Gummy Guppy, Sassy Earth Brites Natural Wooden Toys, Sassy Buzz n Bites teether
- Fisher Price: Laugh & Learn Learning Keys, Rainforest Monkey Teether,Rainforest Giraffe Rainstick Rattle, Miracles & Milestones Musical Zebra, Miracles & Milestones Sunshine Activity Ring, Miracles & Milestones Penguin Water Teether, Lil Laugh & Learn 1-2-3 Puppy Rattle
- Luv n Care Icy Bite Teether
- Nuby: Nuby Jiggle Giggle Teethers, Nuby Nibbler, Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys on a Ring, Nuby Bug-A-Loop Teether, Nuby Icy Bite Teether Rings, Nibbler, Nuby Kool Soothers, Nuby Pur Icy Bite Teethers, Nuby Fun Teethers, Nuby Fun Links and Fun Links on a Ring
- Je Je Vibrating Teether (rubber)
- Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Chan Pie Gnon Teethers, Vulli Vanilla Flavored Chan Pie Gnon , Vulli Cool It Soother Chan Pie Gnon, Vulli Vulli Musical Fruit Keys, Vulli Rattle Key Chain
- Leapfrog Gentle Vibes teether
- Combi Teethers
- Bright Stars:Chill and Teeth Tubes, Licensed to Drool, Rattle and Spin teethers
- Gerber: Cooling Gum Soother, Cool Fish Soother, Cool Ring Soother, OrbiTeether
- Learning Curve: Cool Triangle Teether, Floating Friends, Soft teething beads, First Keys
- Camden Rose: Maple Teether and Waldorf Cheery Rattle/Teether

OTHER ITEMS

BPA-Free Plastic:
- Avent Microwave Steam Steriliser
- Avent Electric Steam Steriliser
- Born Free Microwave Steriliser
- Dr Browns Microwave Steam Steriliser (bottles included with steriliser do contain BPA)
- Nestlé Nan powdered infant formula container
- Nutricia Karicare HA tins
- Sistema Klip-it plastic jugs (available from Big-W)

Contains BPA:
- Tupperware Lock & Serve containers Tupperware Statement; Information on BPA-free Tupperware items

(Sources: www.Safemama.com, zrecs.blogspot.com)

Tips on sourcing products
http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/index....dpost&p=6933316

Tips for using BPA-free bottles with major brand teats

A number of Mam bottle users have identified problems with leaks. The following may be of assistance:

- 'Ours only leak if the white rubber bit is not pushed down properly. Take it out and make sure all the edges are pushed down evenly, carefully screw the middle section on. Same with the top, must be screwed on carefully and evenly, if you do it rushed and uneven, it will leak everywhere. If it's not that, then ring them, i bought mine a few ago and have no dramas - as long as I ensure it's on properly.'
- To mix formula without leaks, shake with the lid on or try placing a (clean) finger over the hole and shake. Alternatively, you can buy rubber discs from Avent which also fit in the Mam caps.

How else can I avoid BPA?

Canned food appears to be the main source of BPA for most people; in particular, high BPA levels have been identified in canned pasta, canned soup and liquid (ready-to-drink) infant formula.

- Consider using powdered formula, rather than canned formula, if your infant tolerates them.
- Avoid number 7 plastics, although not all contain BPA. Choose number 1, number 2, and number 4 plastics.
- Use glass baby bottles, or those made with polypropylene and polyethylene.
- Pliable, milk-colored plastic does not contain BPA.
- Medela-brand bottles used to store breast milk are BPA-free.
- Metal water bottles may be lined with BPA-containing plastic.
- Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave.
- Avoid using old, scratched plastic bottles.
- Some plastic wraps contain BPA, although Saran and other brands "promise to be BPA free." Source

Also avoid PVC, which contains phthalates, another class of chemicals known to disrupt human hormones.

When in doubt, call the manufacturer. Demand answers.

This post has been edited by clumpy: 11/07/2008, 05:31 PM

[clumpy]

OTHER PLASTICS

#1 PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
Recyclable and generally considered the safest single-use plastic-bottle choice. Try not to reuse these bottles, as studies indicate that after repeated use, these containers may leach DEHP, an endocrine-disrupting phthalate and probable human carcinogen. Also remember that using single use bottles isn't a great environmental option.

#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene)
This plastic is durable, safe and recyclable and is often used in bottles for personal care products and some gardening products.

#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene)
LDPE is thought to be food-safe plastic and is mostly used to make food wraps and plastic bags. Although this plastic may be the best plastic option for food wrapping, food can also be wrapped in paper and plastic bags are still terrible, no matter how 'safe' they are from a toxicity viewpoint!

#5 PP (polypropylene)
Polypropylene has not been shown to leach any carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. It is used to make chip packets, ice-cream containers and some yogurt tubs.

Avoid these plastics:

#3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
PVC is highly toxic and releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment when manufactured or incinerated and can leach hormone disrupting phthalates. This plastic is found in various bottles, plastic wraps (especially heavy duty varieties), furniture, clothing and many toys.

#6 PS (polystyrene)
Can leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen. Polystyrene is used to make a variety of items including disposable cups and meat trays.

#7 (this number is used for a variety of plastics including polycarbonate and acrylic)
Polycarbonate contains bisphenol-A (BPA), a known hormone disruptor that may leach in some circumstances. Polycarbonate re-useable sport and camping drink bottles are particularly common and some baby's bottles are made of polycarbonate. Currently more study is required in this area however current research indicates that these bottles tend to leach BPA when heated, via washing or in the sun.

Note that #7 can also be used for other, BPA-free plastics such as new degradable plastics, such as Rafferty's Garden food products which do not contain BPA:

The packaging used for Rafferty's Garden products are made to the strictest standards to comply with ALL global packaging regulations and have been printed with Toluene free inks, Aliphatic (not aromatic) adhesives and also the inside of the packaging is made from Food contact approved Cast Poly Propylene (CPP).

Polypropylene does not contain BPA and is considered a very safe plastic and is often used for flexible packaging. The fact that the pouch is made from many layers of material for strength, puncture resistance and printability (on the outside) means that it must be designated the number "7" code the same as many other non recyclable plastics including BPA containing polycarbonates

"With your food, use #4,5,1 and 2
All the rest aren't good for you"

Source: The Plastics Guide Courtesy of krisp

Other research

The National Toxicology Program's Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction convened an expert panel to determine if BPA is a hazard to humans, including more sensitive developing babies. The panel concluded, based on animal studies, that there's "some risk" exposure to BPA causes neural and behavioral effects in children.

But there's a clear lack of scientific consensus on the definition of "some risk." Also at issue is the lack of research on humans.

"There's a lot of data out there, a lot of science that is looking at the effect of BPA in animals, but we don't have any data unfortunately in humans, so it makes it a little bit hard to know what's worrisome and what's not, " says Dr. Ari Brown, a member of the Academy of Pediatrics and author of the book "Baby 411."

Source:http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/04/bpa.formula/index.html]http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/04/b...dex.html[url]

Are very low levels of BPA in food of a concern?

Industry-funded studies by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis and the Gradient Corporation say there's not cause for alarm.

A scientific panel asked by the National Toxicology Program to settle the issue says there's "some" concern about neural and behavioral effects from BPA exposure in fetuses, infants, and children.

The panel found no major health risks. But there are serious questions about the panel's report -- and about its independence from industry (the contractor that prepared the panel's draft report was fired for apparent conflict of interest).

This fall, the National Toxicology Program is expected to issue a ruling on whether BPA is toxic.

Is BPA Really Risky?

There's no argument that at some level of exposure, BPA is toxic. BPA has a half-life in the human body of about six hours. But because we're continually exposed, nearly all of us have measurable blood levels of BPA.

Whether these levels are dangerous isn't known for sure. One problem is that BPA acts like a hormone. This means that low doses may have effects not seen at higher doses. This is a problem for traditional toxicology studies, which usually try to find a high-dose effect and lower the dose until that effect goes away.

Currently, the EPA says that the "safe" level of BPA is set at 50 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day. But animal studies suggest that this level of BPA has harmful effects, including genetic damage. Exactly how to translate these animal findings into human effects is a bone of contention between academic and industry scientists.

Nevertheless, BPA can flip the estrogen switches on cells at part-per-trillion concentrations -- lower concentrations than those common in the blood of human infants, children, and adults.

A panel of 38 BPA researchers recently issued a report saying they are "confident" that:

- Low doses of BPA have biological effects.
- BPA is everywhere -- in the water, in the air, and in the ground. Estrogen-like effects now seen in wild animals are similar to those seen in lab animals exposed to low doses of BPA.
- BPA levels commonly seen in humans are higher than those that cause adverse effects in lab animals.
- BPA has different effects at different stages of life.
- BPA "reprograms" genes -- meaning that toxic effects may show up long after exposure.

The National Toxicology Program's expert panel says there's "some concern" that fetal exposure to BPA affects a baby's brain and causes later behavioral problems.

However, the panel also found:
- "Minimal concern" that BPA affects the prostate
- "Minimal concern" that BPA accelerates puberty
- "Negligible concern" that BPA causes birth defects
- "Negligible concern" that BPA causes reproductive problems in adults

The American Chemistry Council supports the panel's findings. The Environmental Working Group, a watchdog group that presses for BPA regulation, blasts the report.[url="http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20070824/jury-still-out-on-bpa-plastics-risk?src=RSS_Basic"]Source

This post has been edited by clumpy: 24/06/2008, 06:30 PM

[kaymargaret]

Working in the baby industy i saw major baby bottle companies (Avent, NUK and Tommie tippee) release press statements saying BPA was not harmful….then I hear through the grapevine that AVENT who has out rightly told consumers the levels of BPA in their bottles are not enough to be harmful, are releasing a BPA free bottle in England next month!!! If they are so sure BPA levels in there normal polycarbonate bottles are not safe, then why relase a BPA free one?? AHHH what companies will do for money!!

Oh and its it funny that 90% (94 of 104) independant and government funded studies show BPA is harmful and the 11 plastic industry funded studies show no ill effects...funny that!!!

[totalbabe77]

I just wanted to add a couple more BPA free items:
Sippy Cups-
Kala's Magic Cups www.kalaslittlestars.com
Baby Food Storage
Bub Grub reusable baby food tubs www.bubgrub.com.au
Thanks!

[cmum]

This is a fantastic thread as it has been something I have been actively seeking out.

My friend just put me onto the Cherub Baby brand for their BPA free range. I have the BPA free bottles and sippy cup but she bought a breast pump that was BPA free i think?? You will have to check with them. I bought from here http://www.cherubbaby.com.au

I hope that helps too! I think it is so so important to be aware of what we are giving our children and in what containers! Can't believe how much some manufacturers mislead mums!

[OandJ]

Should we be worried about all the plastic toys our children are surrounded by? Babies love to put all their toys in their mouth, and despite my best efforts our house seems to be brimming with plastic toys.

O&J

[cbmummy13]

Just thought I'd pop in and post - I was in Crazy Clarks (discount store) today and picked up a 240ml BPA free bottle ("Baby Wonder" brand) for $2.99 .... actually I bought two!

I have been paying about $10 each for MAM ones, so thought I'd give people the heads up - definitely a bargain!

[von34]

I was reading this blog on "How Can I Protect my Baby from BPA". It was actually very practical advice and much appreciated by me and my family.

[quote] Try to only breastfeed your baby. This one step will avoid BPAs in both bottles and formula can liners.

• If you bottle feed your baby, use glass baby bottles or those made from BPA free plastic instead of polycarbonate bottles. If you're using plastic, look for bottles that are "BPA free" or buy bottles made of polypropylene, which are usually see through or colored rather than clear. A new, cutting-edge "green" plastic called polyactide (PLA) is also increasingly available. PLA is made of corn and is 100% biodegradable and safe for baby food storage.

• Throw away all of polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups that have turned cloudy or are scratched or cracked. Worn bottles may leach BPA more easily.

• Do not put polycarbonate bottles or sippy cups, which contain BPA, in the microwave. Some studies show that high heat can cause more leaching of the chemical. When necessary, warm the bottle or cup by placing it in a pan of hot water.

I only listed a few but there are many more.

A

[pendingdelivery]

Just thought I woudl add that Cherub Baby bottles and pumps are also BPA free. Saw them at the PBC expo in sydney last month.