For some time, building biologists have been concerned about the possible adverse health effects of bisphenol A, a chemical found in polycarbonate plastic (recycle code #7) that is used to make products such as baby’s bottles and the lining of infant formula cans. This fear may be well founded, as a draft report released by the U.S. National Institute of Health’s National Toxicology Program has concluded that foetuses, babies and children may be at risk from this chemical.

According to Marla Cone, of the Los Angeles Times, the report stated that “When animal foetuses or newborns are exposed, bisphenol A can cause changes in behaviour and the brain, prostate gland, mammary gland and the age at which females attain puberty”. While more research is needed to better understand the implications of bisphenol A exposure for human health, ”because these effects in animals occur at bisphenol A exposure levels similar to those experienced by humans, the possibility that bisphenol A may alter human development cannot be dismissed”.   

   
The National Toxicology Program’s draft report will reportedly be reviewed by a new scientific panel in June.

 
Meanwhile, the Canadian Government has been reviewing the status of bisphenol A and according to Sarah Schmidt, is soon expected to declare it toxic. In anticipation of this announcement, several retailers have removed polycarbonate drink and baby bottles from their shelves, citing “health concerns”.

 
Alternatives to polycarbonate bottles include those made from glass, stainless steel, or polyethylene plastic (recycling code #4).

 
Reference

Bell, K.  2008  Canadian Tire, Forzani to remove products with chemical   Published online by the National Post, available at : http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=450357 (Viewed on 18.4.08)

Cone, M.  2008  Chemical in Plastic May Harm Human Growth   Published online by the Environmental Working Group, available at : http://www.ewg.org/node/26350  (Viewed on 18.4.08)

Schmidt, S.  2008   Ottawa to Declare Bispnenol A Toxic   Published online by the National Post, available at : http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=450448 (Viewed on 20.4.08)

Schmidt, S.  2008   The Bay may pull baby plastics containing BPA   Published online by the National Post, available at : http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=448073 (Viewed on 18.4.08)