Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate, which is used in many consumer products, including reusable water bottles and baby bottles. Bisphenol A is also found in epoxy resins, which act as a protective lining on the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans.

With heat, age and or scratching this Oestrogen is released from the plastic and can enter into the babies system, potentially causing altered neurological and secual behaviour.

Studies have shown the main sources of exposure for newborns and infants are from bisphenol A migrating from the lining of cans into liquid infant formula and migrating from the polycarbonate baby bottles into the liquid inside following the addition of boiling water.

• If you continue to use polycarbonate baby bottles, it is recommended that parents and caregivers do not put very hot/boiling water in them, as very hot water causes bisphenol A to migrate out of the bottle at a much higher rate.
  
  
• Water should be boiled and allowed to cool to lukewarm in a non-polycarbonate container before transferring to baby bottles. This advice is consistent with proper instructions for the preparation of infant formula.
  
  
• These bottles can be sterilized according to instructions on infant formula labels and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. They should be left to cool to room temperature before adding the infant formula.
  
  
• Baby bottles should not be heated in the microwave as the liquid may heat unevenly and can cause burns to your infant.
  
  
• If you are unsure as to whether your bottles are polycarbonate, check to see if the bottom of the bottle has the number 7 in the centre of the recycling symbol. Although the number 7 is a broad category, you can only be sure it is polycarbonate if the number 7 also has a PC beside it. If the bottle does not have a recycling symbol, there is no certain means of identifying whether it is made from polycarbonate or not.
  
  Source: Chemical Substances Website c/o Health Canada A.L. 4905B Ottawa (ON) K1A 0K9

Is this New? Why is it all happening Now?

Bisphenol-A has been known about for a long time, however the levels previously believed to be safe are now being questioned.  Recently the Canadian government re-classified the chemical as 'Toxic' and are considering a ban.  The Canadian Scientists concluded that Bisphenol-A exposure to newborns and infants is below levels that may pose a risk, however, the gap between exposure and effect is not large enough.