Bisphenols (including BPA)
What are they?
Bisphenols are a group of chemicals used to manufacture plastics, epoxy resins and other products since the 1960s. Bisphenol-A (BPA), the most infamous of a group of 40 or so chemicals, was initially investigated for pharmaceutical use as synthetic estrogen in the 1930s. Many plastic products marketed as BPA-free contain similar replacement chemicals. They are in receipt paper, food and beverage can liners, food packaging, DVDs and CDs, medical equipment, toys and automotive parts, water bottles and some dental sealants. BPA is considered a building block of plastic and is one of the most used industrial chemicals today.
Bisphenol: what to know about the chemicals in baby feeding bottles, containers, water bottles and cans.
Are they safe? Though the health effects of BPA are still debated, it is thought to be an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen in the body, potentially causing adverse health effects.
The EPA says it is concerned about BPA because “it is a reproductive, developmental and systemic toxicant in animal studies and is weakly estrogenic”, adding there are “questions about its potential impact, particularly on children’s health and the environment”. Studies, the agency says, “indicate that the levels of BPA in humans and the environment are below levels of potential concern for adverse effects”. But the EPA says “results of some recent studies” using low doses describe “subtle effects in laboratory animals at very low concentrations”, and notes some authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are taking steps to “protect sensitive populations, particularly infants and young children”.
What can consumers do?
BPA is absorbed into the body mainly through food and drink, though contaminated air and dust might also be a factor.
- Cut down on canned food or, if you can’t, rinse the food in water. Don’t microwave food in plastic containers or cans.
- Avoid plastics with a 3 or 7 recycle code on the bottom, and use non-plastic containers when possible for food and drinks.
- Choosing Lion and Lady Bottle that transform into Sippy cups and Containers that are BPA free and made from stainless steel, well known for its anti-bacterial properties.
Additional benefits of the Lion & Lady Feeding Bottle
- Heats faster than plastic in hot water, making it more convenient for travel and safer for your baby
- Free from BPA, BPS & BPF = NO NASTIES
- Durable and hard wearing
- Sustainable & Eco Friendly Accurate measurements inside the lid for travel
- Anti-colic teat available
- Designed with little hands in mind
- Universal wide neck is compatible with other teats
- Design grows with your baby