More on BPA

I've started receiving questions about my article on products that do not contain bisphenol-A (BPA), so I thought that I should add a little more information for clarity. The bottles that I listed on the previous blog aren't the only ones that are BPA-free. A fellow blogger spent a lot of time delving into the subject and created a wonderful report on BPA in children's feeding products. Two of the coolest things are a handy wallet card to use as a reference when you're out shopping, as well as a free text messaging service. If you're at the store and can't remember what products were safe or not, you can text "zrecs" plus a company name and/or a product category to 69866. You'll get a text back providing the BPA status of products by that company and/or in that category. Current categories are bottles, sippys, pacifiers, and tableware. I love this service. Thanks, Zrecs! Here's a copy of their wallet card:

If you have something that's not on the list, I wouldn't worry too much; I would just try to refrain from putting hot liquids in the container, or for using it for too long. As a general rule, plastics with the #'s 1, 2, 4, & 5 are safer than #7 polycarbonate plastics, but not necessarily BPA-free. And not all companies list the number, in which case I'd recommend calling the company or texting Zrecs. Use of the term "BPA-free" implies ALL of the parts are free from polycarbonate plastic, not just the cup/bottle itself.
BPA in bottles and sippy cups isn't the only issue. I'd check out cups you have around your house, etc. The plastic that Brita filters are made out of are o.k; they're made from styrene methylmethacrylate copolymer. Even something that you think is safe, a metal water bottle, could be lined with an epoxy or enamel that could contain BPA. Also, most people don't know that many canned goods contain a BPA liner to maintain freshness.
Basically, plastics are a part of modern life and help make life more convenient. You can't completely avoid dangerous plastics, but it's worth it to try. If you have any more questions, check out the Environmental Working Group's Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles & Formula and their Consumer Tips to Avoid BPA exposure.