Is BPA Plastic Safe?

06/24/2010

I think books are like people, in the sense that they’ll turn up in your life when you most need them.
Emma Thompson, actor

It is interesting (and a bit scary) to watch how information is being shaped in the Internet era. For example, if you run an inquiry on "gulf oil spill" in Google, the top listing will be for BP's spin on the crisis. Likewise, if you google "BPA plastic," the top two entries are industry sites which claim that BPA (bisphenol A) plastic is perfectly safe and that the government should stop wasting money on studies of BPA.

Further down the list of links you will find less biased sites that raise serious concerns about exposing children and adults to BPA in baby bottles, water bottles, and as a coating in food and beverage cans. For example, National Research Center for Women and Families provides an updated summary of studies and actions regarding BPA, which highlight the danger of BPA (especially when temperature is increased, as when one warms a baby bottle or food in the microwave). The article points out...

"Scientists are concerned about BPA’s behavioral effects on fetuses, infants, and children at current exposure levels, and whether it can affect the prostate and mammary glands, as well as early puberty in girls."

Early childhood programs would do well to review existing research and arrive at their own conclusions. If, in the end, you are concerned about exposing young children (and staff) to BPA, consider using glass containers exclusively, or avoiding plastics with the Resin identification codes (the number inside the triangle symbol) of 3 or 7.

Understanding and Responding to the Infants in Your Care

Being with Babies: Understanding and Responding to the Infants in Your Care is a great resource for both beginning and experienced caregivers. Each chapter describes an issue that caregivers face daily, offers scenarios that illustrate the challenge, suggests solutions caregivers can use to address the issue, and concludes with a review of key points. Being with Babies teaches caregivers how to handle everyday challenges while learning about developmental stages. This hands-on resource is perfect for caregivers of children 6 weeks to 18 months old, as well as for staff development and resource libraries. Chapters include information on:

Developing relationships with babies
Using observation to understand babies
Communicating with babies
Selecting appropriate toys
Setting up safe and effective learning environments for babies

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For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.