Bisphenol A is a chemical used primarily as a monomer in the production of polycarbonate plastic (PC), and epoxy resins. It also has uses in polyester, polysulfone and polyacrylate resins, and flame retardants. Polycarbonate (PC) is widely used in food contact materials such as infant feeding bottles, tableware, microwave ovenware, food containers, water bottles, milk and beverage bottles, processing equipment and water pipes.
Epoxy resins are used as protective linings for a variety of canned foods and beverages and as a coating on metal lids for glass jars and bottles, including containers used for infant formula. These uses result in consumer exposure to BPA via the diet.
Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to negative health effects. A panel convened by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) agreed that there was "some concern for effects" on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to bisphenol A.
For baby milk bottles produce with BPA, European Union (EU) - recommended by WHO, has announce recently to make the ban effective in June 2011 for EU-member countries. Other countries that have banned the chemical in milk bottles include Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the state of New York in the United States.
BPA is used in polycarbonate to make baby milk bottles because it made the plastic hard and transparent while those without BPA had a less clear and dirtier look.
[source: WHO & Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO)]
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