Bisphenol A in your teeth

As usual, Canada is way ahead on the ever-dynamic bisphenol-A plastics story. Since it banned BPA from baby bottles and labeled it an official "toxic" last week, the country has been pushing the envelope (or should I say chomping the bit?) on the science and reporting fronts. Here's the latest from the Toronto Globe and Mail on dental fillings:

Some studies have found detectable levels of BPA in the saliva of patients after they received sealants or fillings, but experts are divided as to whether this low exposure constitutes a health risk.

Dental associations are rushing to defend the use of the materials, saying patients' exposure to BPA appears to be low and limited to the period immediately after treatment.

Docs say the fillings appear safe, but some dentists are preferring to be cautious.

See here for another good story from the same paper on how to dispose of all the now-illegal bottles.

And finally, from the New York Times, a business piece about companies making or selling alternatives to BPA. These include Tritan, Sigg, Camelbak and Born Free.

The Skinny: We recommend dropping the extra buck for BPA-free water bottles (ditto the baby bottles, which cost even more). As to dentistry, why not go for non-toxic if you can? When we raised the BPA issue with our dentist last year, he looked at us like we needed to be permanently hooked up to laughing gas. However, the tide is turning, as the Canadian dentists at least now realize...

The Plastics War Continues

The Ottawa Citizen today carries an excellent report on the ongoing controversy surrounding Bisphenol-A, or BPA, a common compound found in tin-food linings, dental sealants, Nalgene water bottles and many baby bottles and sippy cups. The article lobs a major criticism of its competitor, the Toronto Star:

In the continuing battle over public opinion, it's easy to be fooled. The Toronto Star was duped last month: It published a 10-part article listing various health scares that it said were "unfounded."

The Star was actually reprinting material written by the American Council on Science
and Health. This group is paid by the U.S. chemical industry and advances its views aggressively .

Laboratory experiments with animals show that exposure to level of bisphenol A that leaches out of these bottles causes a range of adverse effects. For more on BPA's tendency to leach out of popular baby bottles, especially at high temperature, see this report, published last week by the Center for Health, Environment & Justice.

The Skinny: While the science on this chemical is getting reviewed and re-reviewed and counter reviewed, follow these prudent advisories from the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health:

- Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. BPA is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from overuse at high temperatures.

- Avoid plastic containers with the number "7" on the bottom.

- Don't wash polycarbonate plastic containers in the dishwasher with harsh detergents.

- Reduce your use of canned foods. Eat fresh or frozen foods.

- When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.

- Consider alternatives to products that contain BPA, such as PETE (polyethylene terephthalate, ID code #1).

- Use infant formula bottles that are BPA-free and look for toys that are labeled BPA-free. (For an excellent buying guide, see the Environmental Working Group.)

- The highest potential for human exposure to bisphenol A is through products that directly contact food, such as food and beverage containers with internal epoxy resin coatings, and through the use of polycarbonate tableware and bottles, such as those used to feed infants.

Bisphenol A in Baby Bottles

From today's Montreal Post Gazette:

A study to be made public this morning on health risks posed by some of the most popular baby bottles sold in Canada is expected to add another ominous chime to the steady chorus of alarm bells that researchers have sounded recently about bisphenol A.

The Skinny: Avoid BPA when possible, especially if you're pregnant or are a wee one. Buy BPA-free baby bottles and sippy cups, don't microwave plastic containers or store food in #7 plastics.

For more on BPA, see TK