Baby Bottles Made With BPA To Be Phased Out

US retailers Toys “R” Us and Wal-Mart both plan to stop selling baby bottles made with bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA.  According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a division of the National Institute of Health,

The scientific evidence that supports a conclusion of some concern
for exposures in fetuses, infants, and children comes from a number of
laboratory animal studies reporting that “low” level exposure to
bisphenol A during development can cause changes in behavior and the
brain, prostate gland, mammary gland, and the age at which females
attain puberty.

Although the decision by Toys “r” Us and Wal-Mart is a good step forward, no other major retailers in the US have taken such a step.  This is in stark contrast to how other countries are handling the issue.

Our friendly neighbors to the north, Canada, are in the process of banning BPA from being sold in stores.  There are some in both Canada and the US who think a ban on BPA is much ado about nothing.  Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY, will be introducing a bill banning baby bottles made with BPA from being sold in the US.  It is not clear whether it will pass, but it shows concern about the situation.

The issue is quite controversial and has sparked a wide ranging debate about what steps should be taken when considering banning any substance. Some consumers have taken it upon themselves to educate the public about the health concerns associated with BPA exposure.