The Environmental Working Group Answers Your Questions about BPA (and tired parent's summary from us!)--

Check out this new article from the Enviroblog about BPA in consumer products. There is a lot to keep track of, and many folks are confused about what contains it, what doesn't and what to do about it. This is a great article that addresses these concerns from the Environmental Working Group, scientists that actually do this kind of research and keep track of scientific data to share with the public. The article reviews the concerns behind BPA, or bisphenol A, and the consumer goods it is in, and the science behind it all. To read it, click here.

Or, if you are making dinner, hearing your baby cry, and really don't have time to read it here is my condensed summary of the article. Ready?

**BPA is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and the linings of food and beverage containers. It leeches into the food and beverages it comes into contact with, and is linked to breast and prostate cancer, as well as problems with the neurological development of fetuses, and babies. It makes sense to AVOID BPA.

**Avoid polycarbonate bottles. They can be labeled #7. Also, avoid drinking from old, scratched bottles.

**Don't refill bottle water bottles, labeled #1. They can leech chemicals as well and harbor bacteria. #2 is safer to use.

** Many aluminum bottles are lined with a potential BPA containing Epoxy. Sigg bottles have been tested and seem to not leech any significant amounts of BPA. Kleen Kanteen is made from stainless steel so there is no risk of BPA exposure there.

** BPA is in the lining of canned foods, except some of Eden's products (such as beans). This exposure is likely to be very high. Try to buy glass containers for pasta sauce, etc., instead.

**According to EWG, "In 2006, the industry group American Chemistry Council reported that phthalates are no longer used in any US plastic wraps." Still, since there is no regulation, it makes sense to not microwave plastic wrap.

** Use glass or BPA free bottles, and buy pacifiers made from silcone nipples.

** And, the EU isn't perfect in the area of environmental health (EWG explains they ignored some important studies about BPA), it's just that they are light years ahead of us.

Read the full post for more information about these topics and other questions about BPA (you'll also find a lively discussion and more information in the comments)!