Despite no definitive links between damage to human health and bisphenol A (BPA), increasing public concern and widespread research is having a considerable effect. As a result, most major manufacturers and suppliers are continuing to source BPA free baby bottles as a matter of urgency.
The issue with BPA, concerns the effects it may have on the growth of the body and impediments it could cause to its function. Researchers into the compound suggest that its mimicry of estrogen could cause possible damage to reproductive, immune and neurological systems. Tests on animals have proved this to be very much evident.
Other studies have suggested other links with early onset of puberty, and breast cancer, though many suggest that suggesting direct links with any form of cancer is no more then scaremongering.
The situation is further confused by the relative low levels of BPA that are present in baby bottles; which up until now, have been considered well within safety limits. Whilst this is true, through a products lifetime, it will inevitably become damaged and will be heated many times. It is through the chemicals released in these processes that the worries originate.
With so much conjuncture and debate, parents are unsurprisingly desperate to seek BPA free baby bottles. It is because of this, that sales of glass products have increased exponentially over recent years. However, whilst glass is a product relied on for decades, its ability to break very easily is as big a concern.
It is because of this dramatic shift by the public to move away from bottles produced using BPA, that has made the leading companies invest hugely in the development of new product streams. Despite the reports growing over a number of years, they were reticent to do anything. However, if there is one thing to turn an organizations policy; it is public opinion.
Research and development programs, alongside considerable investment, are increasing into alternative materials; such as polyamide and polyethersulfone products. BPA is so popular, due to its unique properties in durability, damage resistance and most notably transparency. That these alternative products offer much the same, it is only surprising they have not been further developed before.
However, these BPA free baby bottles are not an absolute guarantee. BPA is one of the most widely produced chemicals worldwide. Quite apart from babies’ bottles, it is to be found in many consumer products such as take out containers and canned food liners. However, more worrying for parents is that BPA is also widely used on many retainers, teethers and pacifiers – though at far lower levels.
Unsurprisingly, BPA will pass from a mother to her baby when breast feeding. However, this is at extremely low levels, and not thought to be of any significant concern, even by the most ardent of campaigner.
BPA pervades our lives in many areas, and recent studies released by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have estimated the chemical is present in all but 5% of the US population.
With growing recognition, calls from respected scientists, Federal concerns and the immense weight generated by public opinion, it is likely that all forms of products containing BPA will soon enough be restricted. With the speed in which BPA free baby bottles have been introduced into the consumer market, it is unlikely that there will be much delay in other products arriving on the shelves.
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