There’s been a lot of talk about BPA in the media recently.
What’s BPA you ask? BPA is short for Bisphenol A – an estrogen-like chemical found in hard plastics such as baby bottles, polycarbonate water bottles, teethers, food containers and cups.
Plastic not so fantastic
So what’s the big deal? Scientific reports have proven that BPA (as well as other nasty chemicals like PVC and Phthalates) can leach into food and liquids when exposed to heat. Our bodies absorb them as a result (grim). It’s thought these chemicals are partly responsible for the rise in cancer, asthma and infertility that plague our 21st century generation.
No, not great news.
I’ve been reading up on BPA. With both my girls almost out of bottles, it’s sadly too late to curb the flood of BPA that I was unwittingly serving up with every bottle. To be fair, I did give my youngest NUK BPA-free bottles (and still do) because the whole BPA saga had just begun to raise its ugly head as I was weaning her.
There’s really a lot out there to read about BPA if you’re interested.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) for example, offers informative articles on its website including a fact sheet on BPA, BPA-free baby bottles available in South Africa and useful links such this BPA watch list.
Quick fix
If you’re concerned about BPA exposure, the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recommends these 5 steps:
- Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers
- Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom (in the triangle recycle symbol)
- Reduce your use of canned foods (BPA is also found in the lining of metal-based food and drink cans)
- When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids
- Use baby bottles that are BPA free
Canada has placed BPA on it toxic substances list and many states in America look like they’re following suit. I think SA should do the same, don’t you?
3 Comments
Thanks for your info on BPA. I have been aware of it for a while and my newborn has BPA bottles (although I’m breastfeeding – just using them for expressing) My first child had the ‘regular’ bottles which I’m just weaning him off. My dilemma is that I get raw goats milk from a local farmer for my eldest child and I. We freeze this is in old water bottles…. What can I use instead of the water bottles to freeze the milk (we get about 20 litres at a time!) Any ideas? I cant use breastfeeding bags (Medela) they are R200 for 20 and only take about 150ml!
oops – I meant BPA FREE bottles
Hey Lorna, I’ve done a little research into your query and have to admit there really isn’t much out there in terms of BPA-free plastic storage bottles. I have found this article on Simply Green: Examining the Plastic Debate 1 Year Later, which you may find helpful. It lists a few examples of BPA-free plastic water bottles such as Klean Kanteen, Green Bottle, Purica and Bilt. Check it out.
I also discovered that Soda Stream make BPA-free bottles, which apparently, can be used for up to three years. Have a look on the Soda Stream site (I think they’re a good size, but could be quite expensive for your purposes).
Have you considered freezing the milk in glass bottles (such as old wine bottles)? Though I’m not sure how practical/ efficient this would be? This article about freezing milk in glass on eHow.com is quite useful.
All the best, and let me know if find a solution to your quandary.
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