Toxic baby bottles?

Born Free Bisphenol-A free bottles

Because of their body weight, children are far more susceptible to adverse affects from chemical exposures than adults, even at very low doses, with children under the age of three being the most vulnerable.

Bisphenol-A, also known as BPA, is used in the making of poly-carbonate bottles, plastic food and drink packaging and is known to cause neurological and hormonal damage to animals.

Tests have proven that when baby bottles are heated, potentially dangerous levels of BPA can leak into the bottle's contents. Scientists have linked BPA to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes, hyperactivity and autism.

Environmentalists are calling for manufacturers to label their products more clearly so that parents can make an informed decision about buying equipment which could pose a risk to their child.

After their ban on the use of harmful phthalates in children's toys in 2005, the EU is also re-evaluating the use of Bisphenol-A in children's products. In the meantime, parents can take the following steps to reduce the risks:

• Don't microwave food or milk for your child in plastic containers or bottles as heat degrades plastic, releasing chemicals (use glass).
• Use filtered drinking water (even bottled water may contain phthalates).
• Dispose of all clear, shiny plastic baby bottles, unless the manufacturer state that they are not made of polycarbonate (which is made from Bisphenol A).