What is Bisphenol A?

BPA stands for Bisphenol A. It is a controversial compound that is used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics and resins. BPA has been known to be estrogenic since the 1930s, but has since found its way in to millions of consumer products, including baby care products.

BPA has been linked with several health issues, with particular concern for foetuses, infants and growing children. (See chart below for list of health issues related to BPA.) Several countries and companies have been so concerned with several studies released on the topic of BPA’s effect on health it has lead to bans and eradication of BPA from products. BPAFree is a leading baby care company that aims to provide better BPA Free choices for parents.

The endocrine properties of BPA that can act like the body’s own hormones seem to have the most effect on development in early age so using baby care products that do not leach harmful chemicals in to the food and milk of your baby is particularly important. Unfortunately public health bodies, countries and companies have been sluggish in responding to the overwhelming evidence in support of banning BPA from consumer products. Part of the reason for this has been the lack of information on the topic, as with other harmful chemicals long term studies and tests need to be carried out and we have sadly only recently discovered more about BPA in our consumer goods.

There is also cause to be more optimistic about banning BPA from baby care and consumer products. Canada has recently classed BPA as a toxic substance, banning it from all consumer goods. Japan removed BPA from canned goods and replaced all tableware for children with BPA free plastics. The European Union and Denmark meanwhile has banned BPA in baby bottles. There are also several companies, as you can see from BPAFree that have adopted a BPA Free stance. There is now no need to compromise on budget, style or safety when choosing a BPA Free product for your child.

Health issues related to BPA:

• Effects on brain behaviour, prostate gland in foetuses, infants and children
• Link to obesity after prenatal exposure to BPA
• Neurobehavioral development
• Affect on brain cell connections
• Disruption of dopminergic system causing hyper activity, attention deficits and heightened sensitivity to drugs of abuse
• Thyroid function
• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Increased growth of neurobalastoma cells
• Effects on reproductive organs
• Permanent DNA alterations
• Sensitivity to estrogen
• Prematurity, pregnancy loss, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High levels of liver enzymes
• Altered hormone levels
• Erectile dysfunction

If you would like to read further on this topic we have provided a list of links below.