BPA Part 2

Thanks to all who responded about my BPA questions! I had a request to explain in more depth about BPA and it's possible harm, so in my limited knowledge I will attempt to define what I am continuing to learn about this issue.

BPA (Bisphenol-A) is a chemical found in some plastics. The research on sippy cups and bottles is that, of those that contain BPA, within as little as 50 to 100 washings in the dishwasher, the BPA is compromised and begins to deteriorate. When this happens BPA leaches into the milk, water, juice in the cup.

Everything I read said to avoid all cups/bottles with the number 7 on them or ones that say "PC" (polycarbonate plastics). It is recommended NOT to put any plastic cups, plates, bowls, etc. directly in the microwave. And, avoiding the dishwasher or at least the high heat will preserve the plastic a lot longer.

If cups appear scratched or worn the bottle/cup is probably leaching.

Many major brandnames contain BPA's, however, there are many that do not.

Among the brands that DO have BPA's:
The First Years, Dr. Brown's, Nuby, Nalgene, Munchkin, Ameda, Evenflo, Avent, Second Nature and B free

Among the brands that DO NOT:
Born Free, Adri, Medela

There is a wonderful website that sells BPA free products for kids:
www.bpafreekids.com

All the research that has been reported that I've read about continually noted several concerning effects that may be possible. Among the effects include:

impaired hormonal function, developmental problems, learning problems, hyperactivity, cancer -- including breast cancer and prostate cancer later in life, immune system problems, changes in brain chemistry, increased diabetes, early onset puberty

This list is enough to make me stop in my tracks and want to do all that I can to protect my children. I am not going to be obsessed but I do want to be aware of all the products in our household that are used on a daily basis. This is where I can start.

What I am finding out only leads me to what to further investigate. The more I do discover, the more I am convinced that I want to do all that I can to protect my kids from the possible harm and effects of BPA leaching into their milk and water through their sippy cups.

After my wonderful friend Kelly's comment, I made a call to our local Babies R Us to see if they would also allow us to exchange our Avent bottles since they are known to have BPA with all BPA free bottles. They said that we need to bring in at least $20 worth of bottles and they will match dollar to dollar what we give them! That's awesome!

I also learned that Walmart is concerned and on board with getting their BPA bottles and sippy cups off the shelf and replacing them with all BPA free brands! That's a huge step in the right direction to protect our children! They are trying to get Target and Walgreens to follow suit as well.

Please don't just take my word for this, I encourage you all strongly to also join me in this quest to find out more about this issue. Let me know what you find. Thank you!

Hope this helps! Let me know what you think!