Canada is banning plastic baby bottles
This is a really huge move. So many of us fed our babies using plastic bottles with no idea that they might be potentially dangerous. We certainly thought they were safer than glass.
The New York Times reports that this action, the first taken by a national government, may be quickly followed by a similar ban in the US. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, said he intends to introduce on Monday a bill that would ban many uses of BPA-related plastics.
" 'We’re not waiting to take action to protect our people and our environment from the long-term effects of bisphenol-a,' the environment minister, John Baird, told a news conference, where he displayed an array of baby bottles made from plastics that do not use the material."
Concerns over potentially dangerous materials used in plastics has been in the news a lot lately, and it will be interesting to see how this legislation affects both manufacturing and the public.
The New York Times reports that this action, the first taken by a national government, may be quickly followed by a similar ban in the US. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, said he intends to introduce on Monday a bill that would ban many uses of BPA-related plastics.
" 'We’re not waiting to take action to protect our people and our environment from the long-term effects of bisphenol-a,' the environment minister, John Baird, told a news conference, where he displayed an array of baby bottles made from plastics that do not use the material."
Concerns over potentially dangerous materials used in plastics has been in the news a lot lately, and it will be interesting to see how this legislation affects both manufacturing and the public.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sue on -
I have heard of the risks of BPA, but had also read it mostly comes into play as the bottles age and if they are heated in the microwave.
I would hope this is looked into more before it is banned. I always get nervous when the government gets involved and starts banning things and limiting what we can buy.
I believe the bottles I used - Dr. Brown's - has this in the plastics. But they were the only bottles would could use due to both my girls' medical problems. The nipples they had were the only ones that would work for both of them. Of course, I heard about the BPA issues after they were both done with bottles - isn't that always the way?
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Permalink Reply by Deanna Durica on -
Here is a link to the executive summary of the report on BPA.
BPA is a synthetic estrogen that can cause damage to the immune, neurological and reproductive systems.
I'm interested to see if the Schumer bill will be supported - hopefully, consumer and parent groups will rally support for BPA-free products. I was reading online that a few retailers and brands are already offering (or promising) BPA-free alternatives to their products.
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Permalink Reply by Sue on
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I just saw this topic posted about at Parenting Solved. The blog is written by a Pediatric Gastroenterologist who is also the author of a wonderful book, Colic Solved. Through his site, I found a great resource, Safe Mama which is dedicated to having safety information for kid's and baby products. It is really a great resource. She has some cheat sheets on there and there is one that lists BPA Free Bottles and Sippy Cups. She also has one for BPA Free Pacifiers and Teethers as well as one for Paraben and Phthalate free baby care products.
It can be difficult to find all the information you need to stay informed and her site is a great all-in-one place to find a lot of it.
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Permalink Reply by Debbie on -
I wish they would have done this years ago when mine were little or at least let us know how dangerous these plastic bottles were. I mean even with Ezra who is just going to be 4 we used plastic bottles. I have been trying to get rid of all plastic plates and bowls I have here at home.
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Permalink Reply by Sue on
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Through Safe Mama I saw that the Washington Post reported that Toys R Us is working with manufacturers to have all products containing BPA off their shelves by the end of 2008. Walmart is following suit and should have them off their shelves by early 2009.
It is good to see these companies working towards helping to make the products they sell the safest for children that they can be.
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Cochran-Biederman, MS, MA on -
Nalgene is going ahead and ditching BPA, which isn't surprising in light of recent lawsuits.
Good for Nalgene. Better safe than sorry!
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Permalink Reply by lisa martini on
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I fully support this action, I wish they would have done this years ago.
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Permalink Reply by Paula on -
Hi everyone,
I read a newsvine article today about a recent statement made by an FDA official to the House Subcommittee on bisphenol A. The official said plastic water bottles and baby bottles that contain bisphenol A are safe. He furthermore says, "Although our review is ongoing, there's no reason to recommend consumers stop using products with (bisphenol A)".
This seems to contradict information released by the National Toxicology Program that said, "there is some concern that bisphenol A can cause changes in behavior and the brain, as well as reduce survival and birthweight in fetuses".
Maybe it is just me but I don't feel safe using a product that has been shown in animals to cause all sorts of issues including risk of cancer, while the FDA conducts their tests. I would much rather play it safe then be sorry down the line.
While we are at it the house subcommittee is also evaluating the safety of phthalates which are used in medical devices, cars and toys. Bills before the committee would prohibit the manufacturing and sale of certain toys that contain phthalates. Why is there concern about phthalates? The environmental protection agency has said that, "In rats, phthalates have been shown to cause liver cancer and reproductive tract malformations in offspring".
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