The Government of Canada has begun the process of banning plastic polycarbonate baby bottles. The hard plastic bottles are the most popular type on store shelves in Canada and the United States, but the Canadian Ministry of Health has concluded that one of the ingredients in the plastic bottles is potentially toxic to infants.
The ingredient in question is known as BPA. It has been shown to produce hormonal changes in animals, and there is strong speculation that it can be a dangerous compound for humans as well. The Canadian government moved to immediately remove the polycarbonate infant bottles from shelves, and has begun the process of banning the import of the bottles as well.
On Friday, Senator Charles Schumer (D) of New York announced that he intends to introduce a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to ban many BPA-related products, particularly those used by children. Senator Schumer said he decided to take action after reviewing reports from the Canadian Ministry of Health and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, expressed strong concern about the long-term effects of BPA.
Polycarbonates are widely used to make baby bottles in North America, and revered for their light weight and shatter resistant consistency. But big-name retailers in Canada are already clearing the hard plastic infant bottles from the shelves, including American based Wal-Mart, which is also one of the largest retailers in Canada.
Canadian health Minister Tony Clement made the final decision to ban the BPA-based infant bottles after reviewing more than 150 independent research papers, as well as “in-house” studies carried out by the Canadian Ministry of Health. The Ministry’s conclusions determined that children 18 months and younger were at the highest risk from BPA exposure. Clement pointed out that extensive animal studies indicate that BPA exposure can cause “behavioral and neural symptoms later in life.”
In addition, the Canadian Ministry of health is currently carrying out a research study to determine if BPA exposure is dangerous to adults. The study, which will monitor approximately 5000 people exposed to the chemical, is expected to be completed sometime in 2009. The government has indicated that they will not hesitate to take additional action if the study suggests BPA exposure poses risks for otherwise healthy adults.
Unsurprisingly, lobbyist from the American Chemical Council disputed the results and actions being taken by the Canadian government, saying, “We do not think the bans on BPA are based on science.” The evidence continues to mount, however, that BPA is a serious risk to toddlers — and perhaps adults as well. With nearly 200 research studies on the subject, the evidence is overwhelming. Hopefully, the United States will soon follow Canada’s lead in banning BPA products.
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