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Mar 6, 2008 10:16 am US/Eastern

Suspected Dangers Of Baby Polycarbonate Bottles

CORAL GABLES (CBS4) ― North American environmental and health groups recently released a report showing that many major-brand baby bottles leach bisphenol A, and has called for a moratorium on the use of the compound used to make polycarbonate plastic in food and beverage containers. The researchers contend children have grown up drinking a toxic chemical from their earliest months: bisphenol A. 

Like most mothers, Allison Langer didn't think twice about buying plastic baby bottles to feed her twin girls.

"When you see it on the shelf, you think all the studies have been done on the products so that they are safe," Langer told CBS4's Liv Davalos.

But like many parents who have heard about a recent study about toxic chemicals contained in plastic making for potentially toxic baby bottles, it's just one more thing for a mother to worry about.

The new study contends that when exposed to heat, some plastic baby bottles release the chemical called bisphenol A.

Researchers say that chemical has been linked to obesity, diabetes and developmental problems in lab animals. 

Bisphenol A is released from hard plastics when heated, and these researchers suggest parents not to warm plastic bottles on the stove or use the microwave; instead of using the dishwasher, handwashing is better.

While no long-term studies have been conducted on the risk of bisphenol A on humans and the Food and Drug Administration supports the safety of the bottles, pediatrician Dr. Abraham Benyunes has always told his patients to use glass bottles.

"Personally, I believe glass bottles are better. They can be cleaned better," he added.

It appears many parents are doing that. In fact, sales of glass baby bottles at Babies "R" Us stores have increased more than five times than last year.

And baby web sites are touting glass bottles along with plastic bottles that are bisphenol A-free.

Langer said she would err on the side of caution and make the change, saying "I need to get rid of these plastic bottles. I don't want to give my baby harmful products."

Nine states have introduced legislation that would restrict the use of bisphenol A in children's products, including baby bottles. Florida is not one of those states.
 

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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