Bisphenol A is the ubiquitous plastic product that has found its way into many everyday items including the manufacture of polycarbonate baby and water bottles, and as the plasticised surface layer inside most food and drink cans. It is also used in the fabrication of items such as CDs and DVDs. In fact, over the last two decades its production has increased enormously. Currently, over three millions of tons of it are manufactured each year and much of it ends up in the food and drink containers that we all consume daily.
The future of this chemical may not be quite so promising as the Canadian Government has just listed Bisphenol A as a toxic substance. Canada is taking steps towards implementing regulations that will prevent the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles containing Bisphenol A. Health Canada and Environment Canada are continuing to research into the effects of Bisphenol A and further limitations on its use may be forthcoming.
Health Canada has stated that Bisphenol A is not an issue for adults even though some studies seem to indicate links to heart disease and other adult health problems. "However, due to the uncertainty raised in some studies relating to the potential affects of low levels of Bisphenol A, the Government of Canada is taking action to enhance the protection of infants and young children," Health Canada said in a statement.
There are also environmental problems associated with Bisphenol A, so much so that Environment Canada is concerned over the increased concentrations found in water supplies and there are concerns that it can harm fish and other organisms as Bisphenol A is entering the environment through wastewaters, washing residues and leachate from landfills. John Baird, the Canadian Environment Minister, said that banning Bisphenol A was the "right thing" to do to "protect the health and environment for all Canadians."
Health Canada also wants infant formula makers to eliminate the chemical from their packaging. This is more problematic since there does not seem to be an alternative for lining baby formula containers. Many baby products are also manufactured in the US where Bisphenol A is not considered to be harmful.
Breastfeeding remains the healthy, natural option to using plastic baby bottles. Breasfeeding is better for infant immune system building, facilitates a bond between mother and child, uses no plastic bottles or formula containers and, of course, breast milk contains no Bisphenol A.
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