FDA Declares Bisphenol A Safe

I must say I am surprised by the FDA's findings. Canada has banned Bisphenol A, Wal-Mart no longer sells baby bottles that contain the chemical and several states are involved in lawsuits over it. Here's one scientist who's research found the chemical harmful.

Some people say banning Bisphenol A would hurt companies and lead to fewer products. But if there's even a slight chance it is toxic, I think most parents would lean toward keeping it out kid's products.

According to the Consumerist: The FDA has revisited its earlier studies and reaffirmed that "the trace amounts of Bisphenol A that leach out of food containers are not a threat to infants or adults."

Studies have shown the biggest danger with Bisphenol A leaking into your food is if you heat the product. That's why many parents are only buying BPA free baby bottles and staying away from plastic when heating food in the microwave. Now the FDA says not to worry about it. It's probably too late for that!

Now the question is, did the harmful effects of Bisphenol A get blown out of proportion or is the government protecting companies that would suffer if the chemical were banned?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Toxic Baby Bottles and Cups!

Many of you are in the process of getting rid of plastic cups and other food items at your house after all the warnings about the chemical Bisphenol A or BPA. I know I am. And the latest story on this makes me even more certain of my decision!

Here's the latest on the chemical Bisphenol-A from WHOI:

The National Institute of Health will imminently release a federal report on Bisphenol-A, or BPA, a chemical that causes cancer, obesity and neurological disorders in animals. BPA leaches into food and drinks from most hard plastics, including 95 percent of baby bottles. Because babies and children are developing at such a rapid rate, even extremely low doses of BPA pose a threat.

In response to the growing scientific consensus about the dangers of BPA, safe alternatives and state legislation to ban the chemical have emerged nationwide. Nine states (California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania) are currently considering bills related to BPAs dangers to children. Several companies, including the fastest-growing baby bottle company in the country, BornFree, are now producing safe BPA-free bottles. (Those are the ones I bought.)

You can find more information at NewBornFree.com

There is also a blog called Z Recommends that seems to do a lot of research on Bisphenol A products.

And here's the Bisphenol-A website that says the plastic is still safe to use.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.