Danger Zone: Baby Bottles Tested For Safety

Whether you’re expecting to welcome your little one or already have, a key concern is likely the health of your baby. In fact, you’ve probably taken measures to ensure that you’ve been living a healthier lifestyle as well.

But, when it comes to store-bought products, how can you really be sure about safety. Most of us rely on well-known and highly recommended brand names, that we are comfortable and familiar with. But, it seems that even names we’ve learned to trust may not be that trustworthy any more.

Independent experts are expected to convene and review whether exposure to certain common chemicals found in plastic products including food containers and baby bottles result in health problems.

Another group, noted that new lab tests reveal that the chemical bispehol A, commonly known as BPA is being used in manufacturing polycarbonate plastic food and drink containers and packaging.

And, there has been same debate over safety concerns and issues. The (plastic manufacturing) industry claims that the products are safe and harmless, while environmentalists suggest it is associated with developmental, neural and reproductive issues when ingested.

The NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will revisit the data and come to a new assertion and conclusion on such products including baby bottles made by Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex.

According to the NIH, previous studies seem to suggest that the chemical BPA may act like a natural female sex hormone, one that resulted in evidence of reproductive toxicity in animal studies.

However, regardless of the finding of the team of experts, including many industry pros and scientists, the government may not necessarily adapt them, note experts.

And, according to an attorney for a California Environmental group, the bottles from Advent, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex were determined to leach bispehol A at levels and amounts known to harm animals in lab studies.

However, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association defended the safety of the baby bottles.

They add that scientific evidence indicates that these products pose no threat of harm or danger when used correctly and as intended and that any amount of BPA chemical found is basically negligible to both adults and children.

Furthermore, they suggest that previous studies have deemed BPA to have no effect on the reproductive system, developmental system, and no carcinogenic affects.