thread: Chemical in Baby Bottles

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  1. #1
    ~Belinda~ Guest

    Yes I agree Jen. And then if they recall them, can you imagine how many Mums out there will be buying the ones that don't have the chemical in them? You'd have to be quick because I doubt there would be any left on the shelves. Yes we all have enough to worry about. Sometimes the media really blow things up. Of course on the news tonight they said "this is not meant to scare mothers?" Yeah right...they are only our flesh and blood! Praying that it is no big deal.

    Belinda

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jul 2006
    Melbourne
    3,715

    I'm not advocating that anyone rushes out and buys new bottles just on the back of these latest media releases. But be aware that there is a lot of research going on that shows that these particular plastics are no good for us. There are plenty of people in the world who avoid plastics AMAP for this reason.

    IMO it seems a small price to pay to feel safe with how you're feeding your baby. It might all come to nothing, and then you've wasted a bit of money. But if it turns out to be true, then you'll be relieved that you decided to change.

    I know it's hard when it seems almost everything is bad for our babies but do some research into it first before deciding

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    1,074

    BPA is present in Avent feeding bottles. Have a look at this information from the Avent website: Bottle Feeding: Frequently Asked Questions: Resources : AVENT - Naturally!
    Avent does not believe at this time that BPA can cause harm.

    Also 'Shannon Jenest, a spokeswoman for Philips Avent, which makes bottles from polycarbonate and other materials, said she ?wouldn?t see us challenging? the Canadian health department.' http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/19/bu...l?ref=americas

    Canada will become the first country to ban bottles with BPA in them saying it is better to be safe than sorry: Canada plans to ban polycarbonate baby bottles | Health | Reuters

    I found this website that rates sippy cups and bottles for BPA:
    Bottles: Z Recommends: The Z Report: Bisphenol-A in Polycarbonate Baby Bottles, and Safe Alternatives, From Major Brands to Startups
    Sippy cups: Z Recommends: The Z Report: Bisphenol-A in Polycarbonate Baby Bottles, and Safe Alternatives, From Major Brands to Startups

    I feel the same way and will be replacing my bottles and sippy cups with a non-bpa product asap.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Sep 2006
    Kids party house central - come on over!
    249

    Ok i am really confused now. This would then mean that dummies for babies are toxic as well? Also this would mean that anything plastic at all is toxic? What bottles, dummies do we get then??????

    I am still not going to buy anything new until there is an announcement to say they have been removed from the shelves in all stores.And or there is a case of a child being ill from this BPA - has there benn any cases yet at all that anyone knows of?

    Can someone please clarify if all plastic products to do with children/babies are toxic or have this so called BPA in them. And if so what products shuld we be buying that we can get in Australia that does not contin BPa or anything toxic

    jen

  5. #5
    ~Belinda~ Guest

    Jen, it's ok, Im confused too. I don't think I'll buy anything yet until they are taken off the shelves. There's definately panic out there at the moment with this BPA thing. I'm just sitting back waiting. Everything gives you cancer doesn't it? Car fumes...the air we breathe? I am really confused too....

    Jan, I did find your post very informative though so thanks for posting that.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Nov 2006
    Somewhere Over The Rainbow
    3,094

    this should help you ladies, hopefully its ok to post this


  7. #7
    Registered User

    May 2007
    Perth, WA
    839

    Why don't you use glass baby bottles? Also, this controversy has been around for some years now. There are people who just don't buy plastic stuff and don't have it in their house. There are wooden and natural fibre toys available, glass sontainers, SIGG water bottles etc etc so IF you want to make conscious choices, there are products out there for you! It takes a bit of time to look and may cost more $$ initially, but I just buy less amounts. Eg I just have a few glass pyrex storage ontainers for food instead of 100 plastic ones or any tupperware....

    This is copied off a website:
    Chemicals in Baby Products

    As children’s minds and bodies go through the delicate processes of growing and developing, they are particularly vulnerable to chemicals that could affect proper development. And because children have a natural tendency to suck on objects as a way of exploring the world around them, harmful chemicals can leach out of these products and enter their bodies.

    Phthalates in plastic toys and baby products
    Phthalates are chemicals added to PVC plastic to make it soft and flexible. Among many other things, they are used in soft plastic toys and other baby products, such as some teethers, bath books, and “rubber” ducks. Phthalates are not chemically bonded to PVC plastic, which easily allows them to leach from the plastic.

    Scientific studies show that:

    ? Phthalates can interfere with the natural functioning of the hormone system.
    ? Phthalates can cause reproductive problems and genital malformations.
    ? Exposure is linked to premature birth and early onset of puberty.
    ? Phthalates may lower sperm count and are associated with the risk factors for testicular cancer.
    ? Phthalates are linked to allergies and asthma.
    ? Exposure may be linked to liver and kidney damage.
    ? Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.

    Four phthalates are classified as reproductive toxins by the state of California. Despite this classification, California does not have the authority to restrict the use of phthalates in consumer products.

    The European Union and at least 14 countries already have banned or are phasing out phthalates from children’s products to protect children’s health. Although several of the leading manufacturers of toys and baby products in the U.S. have restricted the use of phthalates over the last few years, there are still many products on the market that do contain phthalates.
    With the passage of Environment California-sponsored AB 1108 (Ma-San Francisco), California became the first state in the country to ban the use of phthalates in children's products.

    Bisphenol A in plastic feeding bottles

    Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical that is used to make polycarbonate plastic. Among other products, it can be found in clear plastic baby bottles, reusable water bottles, and microwave ovenware. This has caused concern since bisphenol A can leach out of the products and may affect human health.

    Scientific studies show that at very low levels:

    ? Bisphenol A can disrupt the normal functioning of our hormones.
    ? Bisphenol A can cause behavioral effects, including hyperactivity and increased aggression.
    ? Bisphenol A can lead to impaired learning.
    ? Bisphenol A is associated with obesity and diabetes.
    ? Bisphenol A exposure can affect the timing of the onset of puberty.
    ? Bisphenol A stimulates mammary gland development, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
    ? Bisphenol A can significantly increase prostate size.
    ? Bisphenol A can alter the functioning of the immune system.
    ? Bisphenol A is associated with miscarriages in women.
    ? Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.

    Studies also show that bisphenol A can leach out of plastic baby bottles. The leaching appears to accelerate if the bottle is old or scratched.

    Some major bottle producers, such as Medela, make plastic bottles without bisphenol A. However, most major U.S. baby bottle manufacturers use bisphenol A in their production, and there is no law prohibiting its use.

    There are undesirable chemicals in millions of products especially in body care (shampoo, moisturiser etc etc) toys, household products. These will never be banned or withdrawn by the govt but that doesn't mean we have to use them, or that they are safe.
    Jen- if you are happy with what you do, keep doing it! If others are concerned about what they use and use on their chn, there are alternatives. You can make a conscious choice!