Potential Toxins in Baby Bottles and Plastics

October 2007

If it wasn’t hard enough protecting your child from lead paint and dangerous magnets in toys, now you may have to think twice about your baby bottles and plastic storage containers. Emerging studies find that popular plastics used to make baby bottles and food storage items may seep toxic chemicals into the food you and your loved ones eat.

In baby bottles and other drinking containers, bisphenol A has stirred debate among parents, industry experts, and researchers. Some firmly believe that bisphenol A, a chemical used make plastics stronger and clearer, is harmful to developing children and pregnant women. Plastic and chemical industry representatives disagree, saying that there have been no definite studies linking bisphenol A to negative developmental effects.

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics, most commonly in baby products, toys, and much more. California has banned phthalates from toys. The European Union has banned phthalates from children’s items, while Canada has an agreement not to use them. Phthalates are known to negatively affect child development, specifically male reproductive growth. America currently has no federal laws banning phthalates or bisphenol A from plastic products.