BPA: Toxic Plastic Chemical Associated With Developmental Delays in Children

Bisphenol A (also called BPA) is a chemical widely used in manufacturing infant baby bottles, beverage and food containers, and other plastic products to make them more shatter-proof. Exposure to high levels of the chemical has been linked to severe developmental disabilities, cancers, and other serious health complications in people. The chemical can seep easily from containers into liquids and build up in the body.

In newborns and toddlers who are fed formula or milk from plastic bottles or sippy cups containing BPA, the chemical can mimic human hormones and cause permanent and devastating delays in speech, cognitive development, and other disabilities. In adults, high levels of BPA have been associated with increased risks of diabetes and heart disease.

Common BPA Products

BPA is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the world and can be found in hundreds of consumer products. However, most injuries from BPA are associated with the following uses:

• Infant bottles

• Toddler sippy cups

• Toys

• Lightweight plastic water bottles

• Plastic resins

• Food and drink containers

• Aluminum and metal soda can linings

Authorities Ban BPA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration repeatedly has said that BPA is safe when the chemical is used at currently approved levels. But authorities also recently said they are taking another, closer look at current rules for the use of BPA. Some critics have accused the FDA of relying on flawed data to support the use of BPA in children’s products.

Local governments from Long Island, New York to California also have either introduced or adopted their own bans on BPA, responding to increasing concerns from parents and consumer rights groups. At least 10 states, including California, Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey have legislation pending that would limit the use of BPA in their states.

In 2008, Canadian health officials became the first in the world to ban infant bottles containing BPA after declaring the substance a hazardous and toxic substance.

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