Bisphenol-a (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic. Bisphenol-a has become one of the most commonly used chemicals, racking up a stunning six billion pounds each year. Almost 95% of major U.S. baby bottle manufacturers use the BPA chemical in their production.

Bisphenol-a can also be found in water bottles, the lining inside metal cans (even baby formula cans), food storage containers, and some dental fillings.

BPA is considered by environmental scientists to be a "endocrine disruptor." Studies have shown that the unstable BPA bond will allow the chemical to leach into food or beverages in contact with the plastic during normal, everyday use. In a recent study, BPA leaching was highest when baby bottles and reusable plastic water bottles were exposed to high heat, such as when in boiling or sterilizing.

A review completed by the Center for Health Environment and Justice called "Report on Public Health Concerns - Phthalates and Bisphenol A" discusses exactly why we should be removing bisphenol-a from our children's bottles, sippy cups and personal care products. The report states, "Children are particularly vulnerable to the effect of chemicals in their environment mainly because they face greater exposures due to their size and behaviors, and because they are more sensitive as a result of their ongoing development. Infants and young children have structural and functional characteristics that while common to their normal growth and development may actually increase their vulnerability to chemicals."

Researchers have also suggested that even low levels of estrogen-mimicking BPA may be harmful to people. Bisphenol-A may cause adverse health effects, such as:

• Increase in obesity and diabetes
• Interference with the normal development of unborn babies
• Stimulation of mammary gland development, which is a risk factor for breast cancer
• Early onset of puberty, and stimulation of mammary gland development in females
• Changes in gender-specific behavior
• Changes in hormones, including decreased testosterone
• Increased prostate size
• Decreased sperm production
• Altered immune function
• Behavioral effects including hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning and other changes in behavior

As a parent, there are simple ways to reduce your baby's risk of exposure to bisphenol-a. Here are some tips to help you get started making preventative changes:

• Avoid baby products made of polycarbonate plastic. An easy way to identify polycarbonate is to look for hard, shiny, clear plastic. Choose non-toxic baby feeding gear made of polyethylene, polypropylene (recycling symbol #'s 1, 2, 4 or 5), polyamide (PA), polyethersulfone (PES), bamboo, glass or stainless steel. You can find a very helpful BPA Free Bottle and Sippy Cup Cheat Sheets at the links below.
• Read the recycling numbers. If unlabeled, call the manufacturer to ask about the plastic used. Try to avoid #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 polycarbonate. Not all #7 plastic contain bisphenol-a. You can read more about this confusing subject in the link below, "Are all #7 Plastics Toxic?"
• Choose fresh, frozen and dried foods over those that are canned. Many metal cans and baby food jars are lined with plastic containing bisphenol-a.
• Microwave in glass or ceramic only.