Studies carried out in the US and Canada have shown that very low levels of the toxin can alter cell function in animals and there is now a fear that Bisphenol A could affect the reproductive, neurological and immune systems of developing babies.
The risk of the chemical leaching into liquid depends on temperature. Heating bottles, pouring hot liquids into them and using bottles which have been scratched and repeatedly washed all increase this risk. Bottles have been found not to leach Bisphenol A at room temperature.
In the UK the National Childbirth Trust has been quick to support Canada's action. It is now campaigning for a labelling system, making it easy for parents to identify which bottles contain the chemical.
Belinda Phipps, NCT chief executive, says, 'Although the level of risk is not certain, we think as a first step it is important that bottles and other items which reach a baby's mouth are clearly labelled. We welcome the news that that these products are being withdrawn as a precautionary measure in Canada.'
Currently, any parents who want to check their baby bottles will have to scrutinise them pretty closely. Bottles in the UK have the number 7 in the recycling triangle, or the letters PC next to it. UK brands such as Boots, Avent, Mothercare and Tommee Tippee all use the chemical in some of their products.
There are a number of baby bottles made from polypropylene which are free from Bisphenol A, such as the Medela and Mam ranges, but these tend to be more expensive than the big brands.
Community children's nurse Lucy Anderson says, 'Despite recent coverage in the national press about this, I don't think there is particularly high awareness about the issue among parents. From the practitioner's point of view, the main priority is to ensure that parents are preparing bottle feeds to the latest guidelines issued by the NHS. These emphasise the importance of sterilisation and allowing the water to cool for 30 minutes after boiling, to no less than 70 degsC, before making up the feed. Those who are concerned about the bottles should check the existing labelling.'
The need to heat bottles for hygiene purposes and mix feed with water at 70 degsC means that it can be hard to avoid the risk of Bisphenol A leaching into the milk. Until research proves conclusively that it is harmless to young humans, there will be mounting pressure for clearer labelling - if not a complete ban.
Formula milk
The advertising of formula milk was banned in the UK in 1995. At the beginning of this year the Government implemented new European legislation on infant and follow-on formula by introducing regulations which set out stricter controls on the promotion, labelling and composition of these products. This was subsequently stalled by the request for a judicial review by the Infant and Dietetic Foods Association. However, in England and Wales it is now illegal for formula milk manufacturers to make direct comparisons between formula milk and breastmilk or blur the distinction between infant formula and follow-on.
What are the risks?
- Bisphenol A or (2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)) propane is a chemical which causes damage to animals during critical stages of their development. It interferes with healthy growth and body function. Bisphenol A mimics the effect of the hormone oestrogen in the body. It binds with oestrogen receptors but does not replace the activity of oestrogen. It affects reproductive, neurological and immune systems.
- Babies are particularly vulnerable to hormone- mimicking effects because they are growing rapidly, both in the womb and in their early months and years of life.
- Bisphenol A is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. It is a monomer used to make polycarbonate and epoxy resins which are used in bottles, toys, the lining of food cans, and dental sealants. Bisphenol A has been shown to leach out of feeding bottles that are made from this sort of plastic. The recent Canadian and US studies reveal that the bottles did not leach Bisphenol A at room temperature.
The National Childbirth Trust has produced a fact sheet based on research by the Food Standards Agency and the EFSA. Visit its website at www.nct.org.uk.
