bisphenol A

I don't know about you, but those warnings about the BPA in plastic water bottles possibly causing cancer and urinary tract problems really didn't sit well with me. So my old Nalgene is now a lantern, and I now use my Sigg or Klean Kanteen bottle instead. I'm really glad I've made the switch since a new study has linked BPA to even more health risks. This is just a preliminary study, but it shows that the BPA used in plastic water bottles, baby bottles, and the lining of some cans could possibly also cause heart disease and diabetes. This chemical has been used in these types of products for years, but recent studies with animals suggest that it can also affect hormones, fertility, and can cause developmental problems in the brain.

In this recent study, researchers examined results of a survey of 1,455 American adults who gave urine samples in 2003-04. Each person reported what health problems they were experiencing, if any. Of all the samples, 90 percent had detectable BPA in their urine. Those with the most BPA also suffered from heart disease and diabetes. Coincidence? It seems further testing needs to be conducted to see if there really is a connection between BPA use and health issues. I'm still not taking any chances though. What about you?

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Thought you had your fill of Bisphenol A (BPA) news this month? Well, there's more.

While the Food and Drug Administration tries to justify reasons to keep BPA bottles on the shelves of American stores, the Canadian government is restricting the use of the controversial plastics. Our friends up North are planning to ban baby bottles manufactured with plastic that contains BPA.

To see what is being done on the home front, read more

Recently I wrote to just say no to Nalgene hard plastic water bottles, since they contain bisphenol A (BPA), which leaches into your water and can possibly cause all kinds of health problems. Nalgene has heard our cries. They just announced that they will start making their bottles without the controversial BPA. Of course, government scientists are only slightly concerned, and feel that there are no known risks to human health, but Nalgene isn't taking any chances. They decided to make the switch in response to consumer demand.

It will take several months for Nalgene to ditch the BPA from their "Outdoor" line of polycarbonate water bottles. Just so you know, they do make other reusable bottles that don't contain this questionable chemical. Look for their newly unveiled Everyday line. They're made out of Tritan copolyester, which is dishwasher safe and BPA free. Of course, if you have old Nalgene bottles, I'd think of some creative ways to reuse them – piggy bank?

The future may no longer be in plastics.

Another study linked the chemical bisphenol A, used to make hard, shatter proof plastics, to precancerous tumors, urinary tract problems and early puberty. The study was performed on rats that were fed or injected with small amounts of the chemical, and although the results are preliminary the group of scientists involved in the study said that possible effects on humans "cannot be dismissed." The National Toxicology Program, who headed the study, is comprised of scientists from many formidable national agencies: the Center for Disease Control, US Food and Drug Administrations, and the US Institutes of Health. Agencies not likely to be ignored considering that this study echoes findings made late last summer by the National Institute of Health.

Bisphenol A is ubiquitous and found in Nalgene bottles, that say polycarbonate (#7 on the bottom) as well as clear plastic baby bottles. It is also used as a liner for cans. Since this questionable chemical can leach into water or food that comes in contact with the hard plastic, many Canadian retailers have pulled products, like Nalgene bottles from their shelves. Once popular only with backpackers, Nalgene bottles have found a niche as reusable water bottle for thirsty folks working on decreasing their carbon and plastic footprint. There are other options like SIGG bottles, made from aluminum; they're lightweight, durable, and cute.

So say "No" to Nalgene and other polycarbonate plastics. I've made the switch and given up my lovely orange Nalgene bottle that I have used for years. What about you? Share the details in the comments section below.

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On the Today Show, Matt Lauer sat down with Dr. Leo Trasande from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine to discuss which plastic bottles families should avoid.

While many bottles are okay to drink from on a one–time basis, others containing bisphenol A can be harmful as they leach chemicals that can affect hormones and reproductive organs in the consumer.

To watch the clip to see which plastic bottles are labeled as dangerous, read more

If your baby is hitting the bottle, you might want to check out the line from Green to Grow. The Bisphenol A and phthalates free containers were created by parents who wanted to give their child a better drinking alternative than hormone interrupting polycarbonate plastics.

To learn more about Green to Grow, read more

Have you ever been at the store poised to buy a slew of bottles for babe when you suddenly wonder, "Are these Bisphenol A free?" While you can ask the clerk for information, you may not have faith in their response.

If that's the case, just pull out your cell phone and text "zrecs" and the company name to 69866. They will shoot back a BPA report for you right away.

To see how it works, read more

There have been numerous BPA reports out in the past year, making a lot of concerned moms feel that glass bottles are preferable to plastic. Unfortunately, glass can break, which isn't the best for baby. That's why we love these cute wee•go bottles from Babylife ($18). The glass bottles have protective sleeves that can help keep the bottle from breaking. The sleeves are non–toxic and free of plastics.

And, you don't have to worry about pulling this sucker off the bottle. Both the bottle and the sleeve can be boiled and put in the dishwasher. The bottle comes with a non–toxic latex–free silicone nipple. While the product is not plastic free, the few plastic parts (the ring, plug and cap) are polycarbonate free and are food grade, FDA approved and recyclable.

The sleeves also make it easier for your babe to grasp the bottle. So toast your lil one to style and safety.

Plastic, kids cups are a thing of the past for parents worried about the rise in Bisphenol A and other chemical warnings. Now it's all about stainless steel, and the Safe Sippy has cornered the market. The $15 non-leaching, 11-oz. cup is selling off the shelves. The insulated, dishwasher-safe Kid Basix cup features removable handles, a straw-shaped spout and no-leak valves.