Feb 27, 2007 2:37 pm US/Pacific
Report: Plastic Baby Bottles Leach Toxic Chemical
Chemical Used To Make Plastic Released Into Liquid
(BCN)
Several popular baby bottle brands have been found to leach potentially harmful levels of a toxic chemical linked to developmental, neural and reproductive problems, according to a study released today by an environmental policy group.
The independent laboratory study was conducted in cooperation with the Environment California Research and Policy Center to test whether bisphenol A, a chemical used to make clear plastic for consumer products, including baby bottles, was released into the liquids the bottles contained, Environment California spokeswoman Rachel Gibson said.
The group tested five popular baby bottle brands—Avent, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex—all five of which leached bisphenol A at levels "found to cause harm in numerous laboratory animal studies," Gibson said.
According to Gibson, the plastic material in containers breaks down through use and releases bisphenol A into liquids and food.
Bisphenol A has been linked by scientists to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and hyperactivity, Gibson said.
Gibson said though San Francisco currently prohibits the use of bisphenol A in toys and child care products for children under 3 years old, her group is calling on California and the federal government to eliminate this and other harmful chemicals from products used by children.
Environment California is also calling for required product manufacturer labeling and reforms in chemical manufacturers' policies.
The group recommends consumers choose glass or "safer-plastic" baby bottles. In addition, the group advises against heating up food or drinks in plastic containers, and using harsh dishwashing soap and hot water, as these practices can speed up the rate of leaching, according to Gibson.
More information can be found at http://www.environmentcalifornia.org.
(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)
Big-Rig Plunges Off Bay Bridge S-Curve 29 mins ago 
Woman Arrested In SF Hotel Death 17 mins ago
CBS 5 Reporter Kicked Out Of SF City Hall 53 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Comments