For years, there has been a group of people in the scientific world calling for the restriction of a certain potentially harmful chemical that is present in many plastics. Manufacturers of the chemical, Bisphenol A, have claimed that the chemical is not harmful at low doses, but recent studies are showing that the chemicals are present at doses 10-100 times greater than what is safe. This is due in part to the fact that the chemical is released from plastics when exposed to heat or after time has passed. This is terrifying news to parents who heated milk for their babies in the shatterproof plastic bottles that tend to contain this chemical. Also, the constant washing of these bottles will release the chemical.
Scientists tested the effects of the chemical on rats, and the findings are monumental. Bisphenol A caused cells to divide much faster than normal, resulting in enlarged prostates, prostate cancer, reproductive impairments, early puberty, obesity, diabetes, hyperactivity, and more. Scientists say that fetuses and infants are at the most risk because the chemical can effect how their genes are activated and impair their development. BPA (Bisphenol A) is present in polycarbonate plastics, which are used to make baby bottles, sports bottles, microwavable and shatterproof containers, children’s toys, dental sealants, CD’s, DVD’s, eyeglasses, and some food cans. Typically, these containers are number 7 plastics (check the bottom of the container). In America, a U.S. company stopped production of a certain plastic bottle, after determining that it was harmful to its users. Following this, Canada started taking steps towards banning BPA. Widespread recalls may be in the future.