Feb 7, 2008 4:38 pm US/Central
Serious Dangers May Lurk In Plastic Baby Bottles
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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A new report says some of the most popular brands of plastic baby bottles release a potentially harmful chemical into the bottle's contents when heated.
CBS
There might be a lot more in your baby's bottle than you expect.
CBS 2 Medical Editor Mary Ann Childers reports that a chemical linked to hormonal defects in lab animals is found in many baby bottles. A new report outlines the dangers.
For this "Baby's Toxic Bottle" report, a coalition of American and Canadian environmental groups tested six of the most popular brands of bottles, including Avent, Disney First Years, Dr. Brown, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex.
The bottles were new and all made out of polycarbonate plastic which contains the chemical bisphenol-a.
When the bottles were exposed to high heat -- a condition that simulates normal wear and tear and washing -- the chemical was released into the milk or formula inside.
"They leached bisphenol-a at significant amounts, amounts that are associated with harm in animal, laboratory studies," said Max Muller of Environment Illinois.
The findings show Avent bottles sold in the U.S. leached the least; and Dr. Brown, bottles the most.
Some public health experts say bisphenol-a puts babies at risk for health problems, including reproductive and developmental defects, and down the road maybe even breast or prostate cancer.
"There is no question that low dose exposure to bisphenol-a disrupts hormonal mechanisms," said Susan Buchanan, M.D., of UIC's School of Public Health.
Illinois legislators plan to introduce two pieces of legislation this month. One would outright ban bisphenol-a in baby products. The second, which is more likely to gain support, would require the compound be classified as a chemical of interest, and that manufacturers reveal if it's used in their products and if they have plans to remove it.
In the meantime, environmental groups say there are things you can do to reduce your baby's exposure.
Use glass bottles and look for products that clearly state they don't contain bisphenol-a.
"Parents shouldn't have to be chemists to know whether a toy they're buying or a baby bottle they're buying is actually safe for their kids," said Illinois PIRG State Director Brian Imus.
Other states are considering similar measures aimed at reducing bisphenol-a in baby products. And, the U.S. House of Representatives last month launched an investigation into the chemical's use.
The American Plastics Council calls it a "myth" that baby bottles will degrade after being washed in the dishwasher and leach out amounts of BPA that would be harmful.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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