Plastics, BPA, and the Consumer

Polycarbonate plastics and Bisphenol A, or BPA, have put parents on high alert in recent months. Polycarbonate plastics have been used for more than 20 years in baby bottles, water bottles, and sports equipment because they don't shatter or break. BPA is a chemical used in polycarbonate plastic production. Current studies by the FDA and other organizations are inquiring into the toxicity of BPA. It is alleged that when plastic bottles are heated to extreme temperatures, toxic BPA seeps into the food contents.

Adults don't realize that BPA isn't just in baby bottles and that they are also at risk! On April 22, 2008, Lani Felix-Lozano, a California mother of two, sued the manufacturer of Nalgene sports bottles claiming the company has not properly warned it's consumers about BPA. While the lawsuit does not state any specific physical complaints, environmentalists note that BPA studies prove it is harmful even in small doses. These groups claim that animal studies demonstrate that BPA may cause "hormone disruptions, infertility, early puberty, and cancer" (Reuters 4/23/08).

The manufacturer of Nalgene bottles, Nalge Nunc, has begun to phase out the bottles containing BPA due to consumer pressure. Health Canada has released a report noting the dangers of BPA and some Canadian retailers, like Wal-Mart, are voluntarily removing products containing BPA from their shelves. The Food and Drug Administration is reassessing the safety of BPA since the National Toxicology Program discovered "BPA may alter human development" (Szabo, USA Today, 4/27/08). As a parent, we notice product recalls for toys and baby equipment. But as a consumer, we must also be conscious of our own safety. Keep yourself updated on product recalls so you don't become a victim.