What the heck is BPS and why do I need to care about it?

You hear it on the news and you see it on the stores but do you know what the heck is it and why it is important to know? Below you will find the scoop about it.


What is BPS?

BPA (bisphenol A), a synthetic sex hormone that mimics estrogen, is used to make hard polycarbonate plastic. Ninety-five percent of all baby bottles on the market are made with bisphenol A. A recent study made by the the laboratory of Frederick vom Saal, PhD., at the University of Missouri-Columbia, showed that the majority of the most know bottles brands such as Avent, Dr. Brown's etc. included a leached between 4.7 - 8.3 parts per billion of bisphenol A.

Why this is important?

This chemical is not only found in baby bottles, but you can also find it on some kinds water bottles, food storage and heating containers. You can prevent or minimize exposure to bisphenol-A in the following ways:

1. Use glass, stainless steel, or polyethylene bottles (PETE, PET, or #1; HDPE or #2; LDPE or #4) instead of polycarbonate (PC or #7) bottles.21.
2. Avoid heating foods in polycarbonate containers, as bisphenol-A tends to leach faster with higher temperatures.22 Use glass or ceramic containers instead.
3. Cut back on consumption of canned foods to reduce exposure to bisphenol-A contamination from the interior coating of the container. Also, avoid canned foods with higher fat content, which may have higher levels of bisphenol-A.22.
4. Before getting dental sealants, check with your dentist about the ingredients in the products they use, as some formulations may leach bisphenol-A.22

Recommendations for Parents:

Most plastic baby bottles are made from polycarbonate plastic, as are many popular reusable water bottles (like some Nalgene water bottles). You can reduce your child's and your own exposure to BPA by taking the following steps:

• Use glass, or polypropylene bottles (the #5 plastic) instead of polycarbonate (hard, shiny,clear or tinted plastic, usually with a number 7 or "PC" on the bottom/underside) bottles
• If you continue to use polycarbonate bottles, do not use harsh detergents or put bottles in the dishwasher. Instead, clean them with warm soapy water and a sponge. Scouring brushes can scratch the surface of the bottles and increase leaching rates.
• Avoid heating foods in polycarbonate containers, as bisphenol A tends to leach faster with higher temperatures. Use glass or ceramic containers instead.
• Avoid use of infant formula brands in cans that use BPA as an epoxy liner.
• Cut back on consumption of canned foods and beverages to reduce exposure to bisphenol A contamination from the interior coating of the container.
• Also, avoid canned foods with higher fat content, which may have higher levels of bisphenol A.

Now that you know, go ahead and make the change. It will be good for your entire family.

Source: www.chej.org/BPA_Website.htm