Howard health dept. goes BPA-free
In the wake of the recent bisphenol A controversy, the Howard County Health Department has decided to offer only products that are BPA-free to participants in its WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program.
Howard is the first Health Department in Maryland to do so.
"While this chemical has not conclusively been proven to cause higher rates of early puberty, breast and prostate changes, cancer and hyperactivity... we believe we should act responsibly and err on the side of caution." said Dr. Peter Beilenson, Howard County's top health official.
BPA is used to make most plastic. It's found in many baby bottles, sippy cups, food and drink packaging, water bottles and toys. BPA leaches out over time.
The health department has several recommendations:
- Use food packaging and containers labeled with a #1, #2, #4, or #5 in the recycling triangle.
- Avoid polycarbonate plastic in food containers. Check the bottom/underside of the product.
- Do not buy or use plastics marked with a number “7” or a “3” in the recycle triangle. This will avoid BPA’s leaching into liquids.
I talked to Beilenson, and he told me he hopes to turn BPA into another trans fat: legal, but largely shunned by much of the public. "We can pressure the market and it will respond," he said.
Comments
David, I'm beginning to investigate this on my own given the dearth of expertise out there. It seems parents have no one else to depend upon for information except mother initiated sites (albeit some good). Some have scared parents into getting rid of certain items like high chairs. This is creating a witch hunt. I'll be trying to offer some sense to this on my site in the coming weeks. Finally, the chasing arrows symbols are intended for recycling use not consumer information. While what you presented is a general guide parents should only depend upon manufacturer information.
Posted by: Bryan Vartabedian | May 11, 2008 8:23 PM