BPA--it's no joke, check the plastics in your house!

There has been much public discussion lately about Bisphenol A (BPA). I will not pretend to be an expert on the subject but please let me say this: reports are now showing that BPA can cause great harm to babies and adults even at low levels of exposure. Studies link BPA exposure to cancer, diabetes, hyperactivty, obesity, etc. In fact, it is thought that exposure can "permanently rewire genetic programming before birth." The chemical, when introduced in the body acts like the hormone estrogen. So our sons are being introduced to a female hormone that can rewire their genetic programming!!!! Ever wonder why there are so many more "feminine acting" boys these days? Or how about why children are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD in great numbers these days??? Or the fat epidemic (ok maybe that's a stretch but you can't help but to wonder if this is all linked!)

Ok, that's another subject, but in the meantime please read up on the harmful chemical and please take the time when you go home to look at all the plastic containers, bottles and sippy cups in your home. Turn them over and look for the triangle. Plastic with the #7 inside the triangle likely contains the harmful BPA. Don't discard them just yet though. Some manufacturers are offering a BPA-free replacement free of charge (I know Playtex is so others may soon follow).

Also, don't just look at the bottles and sippy cups. Do you have plastic Tupperware that you use to heat up food? Well, then the BPA is entering your food and is harmful to you (and your child if you nurse.) This isn't just a warning for parents with children using sippy cups and bottles, this is a warning for EVERYONE. We all drink and eat from plastics so its important to be informed!

Consider glass alternatives for cooking, re-heating, storing and other BPA free alternatives. Now trust me I know that BPA-free these days usually means MORE EXPENSIVE but not necesarily. The other day I was shopping in Burlington Coat Factory and they sell the Nuby sippy cups for about $1.25 a cup (retail in other stores for $3.49 per cup) and these are BPA-free sippy cups. They are sold out with most other retailers but Burlington still has them in stock. I am headed over there after work to pick up a few more.

Here is an article if you are interested in reading more.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-04-21-BPA-phase-out_N.htm