Lead paint in children’s products isn’t the only substance of concern for worried parents. Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in water bottles, baby bottles and food containers, is a known hormone disruptor and suspected carcinogen. The good news: Toys ’R Us and Wal-Mart have announced that they will phase out bottles and baby products containing BPA by early next year.
“There’s no population that’s more vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals than infants and children,” says Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “It’s critical that we get rid of them, and these companies are doing the right thing.”
Congress is debating whether a ban is needed, but New York Senator Charles Schumer favors such an action. In the meantime, Wal-Mart carries some BPA-free products, so there’s no need to wait until next year to buy safe baby bottles.