FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 6, 2011
Tips attributable to Robert I. Danoff, DO, an AOA board-certified family physician from Philadelphia and a spokesperson for the American Osteopathic Association.
(CHICAGO) — Many parents rely on formula as a nutritious and convenient way to feed their babies, but they need to be aware that the container it is stored in could pose a potential health risk to their young children. Robert I. Danoff, DO, an AOA board-certified family physician from Philadelphia, offers the following tips to help babies and infants avoid contact with Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in hard clear plastics, as well as in the lining of canned foods. Over time, BPA can leach into foods and beverages stored within these containers.
Known to interfere with or mimic the action of hormones, a process known as endocrine disruption, BPA can upset normal development. Because infants develop more rapidly and are not able to eliminate BPA from their bodies as effectively as adults, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has expressed concern about BPA affecting brain development and behavioral issues, and even the prostate gland, of fetuses, infants, and young children.
Dr. Danoff urges consumers to know the following information about BPA.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimated that babies are exposed to over 12 times more BPA than adults with the main exposure source coming from the containers that store their formula.
Parents should try to purchase powdered or liquid formula in cans that state they are BPA-free on the label. Dr. Danoff also recommends formula that is stored in glass containers.
Dr. Danoff recommends that parents look for baby bottles that are labeled as BPA-free. If they are using bottles that contain BPA, parents should avoid using those that are old or scratched as they have a greater potential for BPA to leach out into the formula or milk.
The Environmental Working Group encourages consumers to avoid plastics with number 3 or 7 recycling codes on the bottom which sometimes contain BPA.
It is important to help avoid BPA exposure before birth as well. Women who are pregnant should discuss with their physicians whether or not they ought to avoid or cut back on eating foods stored in cans that are not labeled BPA-free.
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About the American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) proudly represents its professional family of more than 78,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs); promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on DOs/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.
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