BPA is bad for pregnant women! The FDA finally agrees with the rest of the world
It took the FDA long enough.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally reversed its much-criticized position on BPA (bisphenol-A, a chemical used in plastic, which has been linked to behavioral problems, cancers, diabetes, heart problems, infertility, and other health issues). According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a developing fetus and babies are most vulnerable to BPA's toxic effects. Unfortunately, they also have the most intense BPA exposure of any group.
In 2008, the FDA said the chemical was safe for all uses. Worrisome, since lots of pregnant women, moms of new babies and bigger kids, and others relied on this information when making purchasing and other decisions. Now, the FDA says it's concerned about the chemical's effect on pregnant women, infants, and children. (BPA is found in baby bottles, breast pump parts, the lining of formula cans, pacifiers, toys, teethers, and lots of other things.)
The FDA isn't going so far as to ban BPA (it's been banned in other countries), but says it is working to reduce exposure to the chemical.
To reduce your exposure to the chemical experts say that pregnant women should:
1. Eat or cook with fresh or frozen products instead of canned foods (especially canned foods that are acidic like tomatoes and citrus products).
2. Avoid drinking most bottled water.
3. Don't store foods in plastic.
4. Filter your drinking and cooking water.
5. Filter your shower and tub water.
What else can you do to protect yourself and your baby?
Read the EWG's Tips to Avoid BPA Exposure
Check the Baby Safe Guide to Bottles and Formula
Choose and use infant formula safely.
Have you been concerned about BPA? Are you now?
Written by Suzanne Murray for Pregnancy Buzz in CafeMom Parenting
Related posts:
Drinking Bottled Water: Is it Safe?
