The harmful chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in polycarbonate (PC) plastics used to make all sorts of household articles, including baby bottles. BPA molecules migrate into milk and other liquids from the bottle, especially when it is heated or microwaved. When babies drink the milk, BPA molecules are absorbed into their bodies that are still developing and thus much more vulnerable. BPA acts as an artificial hormone and can disrupt the baby's hormonal development that could lead to serious health problems later in life - such as hormonal disorders, premature puberty, childhood obesity, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer and breast cancer.
"Although we're very pleased with government passing this law, and the effort of some leading retailers having cleared their shelves of BPA baby bottles, we remain extremely concerned about the bulk of unsafe baby bottles in use," says Sue Janse Van Rensburg, CANSA's CEO. "To make the public aware of the lurking health hazard, CANSA launched this campaign joined by our Smart Choice Seal partners, Nuby, NUK and Pretty Baby, supported by Shoprite Checkers and Interwaste Recycling with 50 eeZeeBins."
As of 1 November, bring all old polycarbonate baby bottles to any CANSA Care Centre countrywide for safe recycling. The first 6000 people to respond will receive a brand new CANSA 'Smart Choice' BPA-free baby bottle in exchange. "Help us withdraw as many harmful BPA-containing baby bottles as possible or spread the message to as many friends and family via facebook and twitter. Let's reduce BPA-related health risks, including breast cancer, by joining this life-saving project," concludes Janse van Rensburg.
