Bisphenol A - Risk From Baby Feeding Bottles

Released on 06/05/2008

NCT Press Statement

Bisphenol A - Risk From Baby Feeding Bottles

The NCT is calling for a clear labelling of bottles, following findings that Bisphenol A is known to leach from the plastic used in many baby feeding bottles.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, emphasised the importance of clear labelling on bottles:

“Although the level of risk is not certain, parents are largely unaware of this risk and do not know which bottles to avoid. This lack of awareness is concerning.
As a first step, it is important that bottles and other items that might reach a baby's mouth, are labelled in a standard and easy to understand way. This will help to remove the risk of Bisphenol A contamination. We welcome the news that these products are being withdrawn, as a precautionary measure, in Canada. Should parents be concerned, they can log on to the NCT website for more information www.nct.org.uk.”

The charity has combined forces with Friends of the Earth and WWF in the past to draw attention to the risk posed by this chemical and others in our environment, that particularly affect babies before and after birth.

NCT Sales stock storage bottles and collection bottles designed to be used with breastpumps, and infant feeding cups that are free of Bisphenol A. These products can be purchased from www.nctsales.co.uk .

NCT Nearly New Sales do not sell second hand bottles because damaged and scratched bottles are more likely to leaching this chemical.

If parents are concerned, the NCT Breastfeeding line 0870 444 8708 is open from 8am - 10pm, daily and our breastfeeding counsellors are happy to answer questions about using bottles.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Bisphenol A or (2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane is a chemical which causes damage to animals and probably humans during critical stages of their development. It interferes with healthy growth and body function. Bisphenol A mimics the effect of the hormone oestrogen in the body. It binds with oestrogen receptors, but doesn’t replace the activity of oestrogen. It affects reproductive, neurological and immune systems.
  
  Babies are particularly vulnerable to hormone mimicking effects because they are growing rapidly, both in the womb and in their early months and years.
  
  Bisphenol A Is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. It is a monomer used to make polycarbonate and epoxy resins. These products are used in bottles, toys, in the lining of food cans and dental sealants. Bisphenol A has been shown to leach out of feeding bottles which are made from this sort of plastic. The recent Canadian/US studies the bottles did not leach Bisphenol A at room temperature.
  
  It is polycarbonate plastic (clear shatter proof plastic) bottles, which often have the number 7 in the recycling triangle on the bottle, or the letters “PC” near the recycling triangle that leach Bisphenol A.
  
  There are plastic bottles on the market that do not contain Bisphenol A. Glass bottles do not leach Bisphenol A.
  
  Bottles are less likely to leach Bisphenol A at room temperature but it is important that formula feeds are made up using water at 70 C because powdered infant formula is not sterile and does sometimes contain harmful bacteria. Heating bottles or pouring hot liquids into bottles, and repeated washing which creates scratches increases the rate of Bisphenol A leaching from bottles but it is important that bottles are cleaned thoroughly and sterilized to prevent illness in babies. Sterilising solutions may be more appropriate for use with polycarbonate bottles.
  
  

• NCT information on Bisphenol A
  
  

• The NCT is the leading charity for pregnancy, birth and parenting in the UK. Every year we support thousands of people through this incredible life-changing experience, offering relevant information, reassurance and mutual support through our local branch networks, national telephone helplines and antenatal and postnatal courses.
  
  The NCT is run by parents, for parents with over 70,000 members - our strength comes from the dedication of our volunteers, who work through our network of branches to provide local services, training and evidence-based information for parents, families and professionals. We are trusted and respected by health professionals and governments as an organisation that represents the needs of parents.
  
  

• NCT Breastfeeding Line 0870 444 8708 is open from 8am - 10pm, daily

Contact

Press Office
Email: press@nct.org.uk