Update on BPA

Bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, is a chemical that has been used for more than 40 years in the manufacture of many plastic food containers such as baby bottles and the lining of metal food and beverage cans. This year, the FDA is finally beginning to put time and money into researching the effects of BPA.

According to the FDA, they will be researching the potential links between PBA and cancer, diabetes, obesity, reproductive disorders, asthma, and heart disease.

The latest FDA advice is to take “reasonable” steps to avoid it. We need to all take responsibility of our own health, since the FDA is moving very slow with this issue. Maryland, Connecticut, Washington, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are paving the way by already restricting the sale of baby products made with BPA.

I encourage you to rummage through your cupboards and throw out any bottles and cups made with BPA (they will typically have a 7 on the bottom.) Many companies are now developing BPA- free products, so we should be supporting their effort to protect ourselves and our children!