Bisphenol A or BPA widely used in plastics has long been a subject of controversy among scientists in the United State and not only because of its harmful effects on children and adults’ health.

 

Recent studies have shown that BPA, a synthetic hormone similar to estrogen, can interfere with how the body absorbs the natural hormone estrogen, which is needed in the development of young bodies. The chemical appears to accelerate puberty and pose a cancer risk. Some other reports, focusing on BPA’s repercussions on adults suggest that it may interfere with chemotherapy. Also, the chemical has been tied to higher risk for heart disease and diabetes.

 

On the other hand, the Food and Drug Administration in August 2008 declared levels of BPA in plastics safe to the delight of the industry and in spite of environmentalist groups supporting the ban.

 

All these studies together with pressure from authorities prompted the top companies producing baby bottles in the US to stop selling them. More exactly, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal together with the attorneys general in Connecticut and New Jersey, wrote to the bottle manufacturers and asked them to voluntarily stop using the chemical.

 

“The evidence seems too clear and emphatic and unequivocal to say we should simply permit this stuff to go into children on a massive scale. And there’s no reason for it, because there are substitutes available,” Blumenthal said.

 

The companies deciding to stop selling baby bottles containing BPA include: Playtex Products Inc., Gerber, Evenflo Co., Avent America Inc., Dr. Brown and Disney First Years.