Last week we talked about Bisphenol A or BPA (a chemical found in many plastics), and its potential health risks. Years of independent study, we noted, points toward alarm, but has not been enough to motivate regulation. That might soon be changing.

Following months of scientific debate, the Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction – part of the National Institutes of Health announced that BPA could be posing some risk to the brain development of babies and children.

The report by the 12-person panel made up of scientists from academia, government, and the pharmaceutical industry concluded that there was “some concern” about neurological and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants, and children. But the panel also reported “minimal” or “negligible” concern about reproductive effects, further stirring the controversy over a chemical that, as of yet, has not been studied for its long-term effects. Despite the fact that BPA has been incorporated into plastics for 50 years.

While the debate is far from over, this recent development gave hope to health and environmental advocates because this is the first official government action related to the chemical. It might finally spur federal regulation after it is reviewed for a federal report.

Do we really need wait for that report? If there is any evidence—some concern—a product is harmful, and there is a safe alternative—you CAN purchase BPA-free baby bottles—why risk it? As with education, parents shouldn’t wait for the government to take care of their children. We should all be active in our children’s development and in today’s world that action includes avoiding BPA.

Source: Boston Globe