Some scientific reports have suggested that the chemical can leach from clear plastic beverage containers when they are exposed to heat.
The recent proposed ban in Canada and 11 States in the U.S., who are either proposing a ban or investigating the chemical, has triggered this wave of concern. South Africa has not taken steps to ban polycarbonate baby bottles, however, mothers and some doctors are recommending that people seek an alternative for their young babies, as a precautionary step.
BPA is one of the most widely used chemicals in modern industry. It's found occurring in many reusable drink bottles and sports gear, and for most people it is perfectly harmless. However, it may be released when polycarbonate bottles are heated and could pose risk in newborns and infants. Canada took the precaution of proposing a ban on polycarbonate bottles based on some findings that, during early development, there is sensitivity to the effects of Bisphenol A.
Dr. Peter Weiss of ICMRA from London said about the chemical, “Although there is mixed evidence about the findings around BPA, we recommend that if people are bottle feeding their young children and are concerned, they use a polypropylene-made bottle to alleviate any concerns they have.”
Independent researchers in dozens of studies have linked trace BPA exposures in animal and test tube experiments to conditions involving hormone imbalances, including breast and prostate cancer, early puberty and changes in brain structure. Exposures during key points of fetal or early neonatal development appear particularly worrying.
MAM, a leading European baby products manufacturer, produces a bottle made of Polypropylene (PP) - their Ultivent bottle - offering worried parents an alternative to the clear plastic, polycarbonate bottles. Polypropylene is BPA free.
Polypropylene does not contain any BPA as it has a totally different composition. It is a totally unproblematic material, related to candle wax, which has been recognised as harmless for many years. In addition, this material is elastic and therefore nearly unbreakable, it can be boiled without any problems and put into the microwave and the dishwasher.
Michelle Brown, Brand Manager of MAM South Africa, said, “MAM had many choices six years ago when they were deciding what product to use in their baby bottles. However, being leaders in product research in the infant category, they wanted to choose the best and safest option.”
“Some mothers are so concerned about the BPA issue that they are changing to glass bottles, but a glass bottle with a one year old is a dangerous option! Moms should know that they have another alternative.”
Jenny, a mother of two from Cape Town said, “I am concerned at this stage of my baby's development. I want to ensure that I am giving her the best start and I don't want to be worrying about unnatural hormones in my baby's bottle, so I use the polypropylene bottles. I want a product that gives me peace of mind.”
There are an estimated 80,000 chemicals registered for use in common, everyday products, most of which have not been tested for their health effects on children and Bisphenol A is one of those.
The MAM bottles have been designed so that the careful interaction between the bottle, teat and valve reduces collicky symptoms and delivers virtually no vacuum build up, so that there is an uninterrupted flow to baby.
MAM bottles are sold in Dis-Chem and selected Baby Boom and Pick n' Pays Nationwide. For more information on MAM products, please visit www.mambaby.com. or www.mam-baby.co.za
