Plastic Baby Bottles: Are they safe?

Breaking news: Experts cite “concern” over polycarbonate baby bottles

Are certain plastic baby bottles dangerous? Readers of our new 3rd edition (out in stores now) may remember our discussion of the safety of polycarbonate baby bottles—and how a federal panel studying the issue was about to weigh in on the issue.

Well, the results are in. Here’s the scoop:

An independent review panel assigned by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program weighed in on the toxic plastics debate last week. Their conclusion: they have “some concerns” about chemical used to make polycarbonate bottles, Bisphenol A (BPA), potentially causing neurologic and behavioral problems in fetuses, infants, and children.

What does that mean for your baby and those baby bottles and sippy cups sitting in your kitchen? Here are the most common questions parents are asking, and our answers based on what we know.


Q. What the heck is BPA? Why is it dangerous?

Clear plastic baby bottles (as well as some food containers and water bottles) are made of polycarbonate, which contains a chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA). It is the BPA that makes the hard, clear plastic bottles . . . well, hard and clear.

Here’s the rub: BPA’s chemical bond with polycarbonate breaks down over time—especially with repeated washings or heating of the bottle. As a result, BPA may leach out of the plastic bottle or sippy cup . . . and into the liquid (that is, breast milk or formula). BPA has been used since the 1950’s in a variety of products and we know that humans ingest (and eliminate) small amounts of this substance on a daily basis considering 95% of humans studied have it in their urine.

While most data BPA comes from animal research, studies show even low-level BPA MAY be linked to everything from early puberty to breast cancer, to attention and developmental problems. It’s hard to say that humans will have the same health consequences, but there is certainly enough concern that it deserves investigating the effects on humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency has set an “acceptable” or “safe” level of daily BPA exposure to be 50 micrograms per body kilogram per day. However, some scientists worry that humans may be exposed to up to ten times that daily dose.

We wrote a detailed article on BPA and plastic baby bottles in our newly revised 3rd edition of Baby 411. It is available online at our website:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/baby411/bpa.html

Q. Do we really know that these bottles are dangerous to humans?

No, we don’t. There have been no human studies on BPA—so far, researchers have only found problems in animal research.

There is a split opinion here among scientists. The same federal panel that said it had “some concern” about behavioral and developmental problems in babies also stated that links to other ailments like birth defects and adult ailments were “negligible.”

That contrasts to the group of 38 scientists who last week called the threat from BPA as “significant.”

But the fact the federal panel said there were some concerns for the health of babies tipped the balance for us.

As a parent, we realize it can be hard to decide what to do when the debate is so heated. As always, our mantra is “show us the science.” We believe enough science is now in to recommend a change in course.

Q. Isn’t it a bit alarmist to say stop using these bottles?

The truth is we won’t know for YEARS if there is a human health problem. And, it could be YEARS more before the government decides to take some regulatory action.

Our opinion: if concerns exist today (and that is backed up by reputable scientific research), then why not try to limit your baby’s exposure to this chemical?

We suggest stop using polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups now. Since there are quite a few BPA-free bottles on the market (see below), we believe this is an easy call for parents.

Q. The Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association said plastic baby bottles are safe.

In a recent statement, the JPMA said the federal panels report on BPA “reaffirms the safety of plastic baby bottles.”

With all due respect to the fine folks at the JPMA, we’re not sure they were reading the same report we did. If they did, they would note this sentence: “The Expert Panel expressed some concern that Exposure to BPA causes neural and behavioral effects.”

Click here to read it:

http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/draftBPA_MtgSumm080807.pdf

We realize you can argue that the panel didn’t call for the ban of products with BPA. But, that’s NOT what the panel was asked to do. It will now take years of debate among scientists, researchers and politicians as to the best course to take with BPA.

For the record, Avent told us they believe their bottles are safe and pose no health threat to babies.

Q. Which bottles should we NOT use? Which ones are BPA-free?

Polycarbonate baby bottles make up about 90% of the bottle market. The most common polycarbonate bottle is Avent’s Natural Feeding Bottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural flow. But other major baby product companies like Playtex and Gerber also make polycarbonate bottles.

See our website at baby411.com for pictures of bottles containing BPA:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/BPAbottles.html

Here are the alternatives that are BPA-free:

• Use glass bottles. Obviously, there is a risk of injury to baby or mom if the bottle is dropped, so glass isn’t a perfect alternative.

• Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA.

• Consider a BPA-free plastic bottle. Born Free makes a BPA-free clear plastic bottle (Newbornfree.com) sold at Whole Foods. But these cost about $10 each, twice the price of Avent bottles.

• Use a drop-in system. For example the Playtex Drop-in System is BPA free (that is, the bottle liners do not contain BPA). Avent’s Tempo liners are another example.

Pictures of BPA-free bottles are here:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/BPAFREEbottles.html


Q. Is there a way to tell if a bottle has BPA?

A. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy. Here’s a general guide:

BAD:
• Bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label most likely are made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA).

GOOD:
• Bottles that have a #2, #4 , #5 are made of polyethylene or polypropylene—these do NOT have BPA.

We call on the government to require disclosure of which bottles have BPA, so consumers can make an informed choice.

Q. What about sippy cups?

A. Basically, the same advice applies: avoid those made of polycarbonate. Sippy cups made of opaque plastic are fine.

Q. What about breast-pump collection bottles?

A. Again, avoid polycarbonate bottles (Avent Isis is an example) and choose BPA-free options. For example, all of Medela’s bottles are made from BPA-free plastics.

Q. I just bought $50 worth of Avent bottles. Are you saying I should throw them out?

A. Yes. We realize this in an inconvenience—but if you think about it, buying replacement bottles would run only $50 to $100. When it comes to safety, we think this is a worthwhile investment.

What if you don’t want to give up your polycarbonate bottles? While we don’t recommend that option, to lower the amount of BPA that may leach out, avoid heating the bottles in a dishwasher, microwave, or sterilizer. And, toss out any baby bottles that are cracked. Again, we believe the safest course is to replace the bottles with BPA-free alternatives.

Comments

[JK]

Are there any systems like the Dr. Brown's bottles/systems that are BPA free?

[Mommy Bean]

The European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a report stating that Bisphenol A is safe. The report is based on research conducted by independent scientists. The EFSA is also very critical of the methodologies used in the studies on low dose Bisphenol A exposure on rodents. Here's a link to the EFSA report http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/afc/afc_opinions/bisphenol_a.html
What are your thoughts on this report?

[Mommy Bean]

The European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a report stating that Bisphenol A is safe. The report is based on research conducted by independent scientists. The EFSA is also very critical of the methodologies used in the studies on low dose Bisphenol A exposure on rodents. Here's a link to the EFSA report http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/afc/afc_opinions/bisphenol_a.html
What are your thoughts on this report?

[Stacey]

I see the Gerber plastic baby food containers have a "7" recycling sign on the bottom. These are not safe either?

[Carol Smithson]

Hi there,

I have been reading the information with regards to baby bottles and at first I was shocked to find out that maybe I am using the wrong product (Dr Brown) for my baby. She has colic but do I really want to use a product that is unsafe?

My mom was visiting me and I asked her about this and she was sure she used a plastic bottle to feed me (I am 24 years old). That information made me feel a lot better. Having just spent an hour or two on Google I really have calmed down. If you are as unsure about what is right maybe the following hopefully helps you as much as it helped me.

http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsID.1018/news_detail.asp

Sincerely,
Carol Smithson

[Krista]

I've been hearing a lot about the dangers of plastic baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA) and I have been looking for alternatives. I've read articles that say to avoid plastics with the number 7 in the recycling symbol as these contain BPA. I've also read that Playtex Drop-Ins disposable liners are a safe alternative, so I have purchased these. My concern is, on the bottom of the Drop-In liner is the number 7 in the recycling symbol...does this mean that these liners contain BPA? I'm confused and don't know what the safest route is. I would prefer not to use glass bottles as my son has a tendency to throw his bottle on the floor. Any helpful solution would be greatly appreciated. would be

[Dr. Ari Brown / Denise & Alan Fields]

Good question---this is confusing, we know.

#7 recycling labels is sort of a catch-all for plastics that don't fit the other numbers. YES, BPA is typically a #7. But #7 also covers other "composite" plastics.

And the Playtex drop-ins, while a #7, do NOT contain BPA. Just an fyi!

[Melissa]

if i hadlready have the avent system, i can simply use the drop ins (as I planned to anyway) and the system will be safe, right?

[jen]

I use the playtex plastic disposabe roll liners(Not drop in). I chose these because they have been used for years. Are these not safe?
Also I plan on making my own baby food what containers are safe for storing the baby food in?

[momma b]

What about the Parent's Choice bottles from Wal-mart, are they safe? They don't have a recycle number on them and I have quite a few for my daughter. And Gerber foods and juices are in #7 containers, are these safe as well?