credit: ronin_z_e_r_oWe are passing on this warning to all of you, but especially to Moms-to-be and new moms: from the National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, as reported in the LA Times.

The federal institute is the first government agency in the U.S. to conclude that low levels of BPA ( a widely used synthetic chemical) could be harming humans. They warn that it can seep from hard plastic beverage containers, such as baby bottles, as well as from liners in cans containing food and infant formula.

"Some scientists suspect that exposure early in life disrupts hormones and alters genes, programming a fetus or child for breast or prostate cancer, premature female puberty, attention deficit disorders and other reproductive or neurological disorders."

They suggest the following safeguards to limit exposure to bisphenol A:

• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but it may break down from overuse at high temperatures.
• Polycarbonate containers that have BPA usually have the recycle number 7 on the bottom.
• Reduce your use of canned foods.
• When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
• Use baby bottles that are made of glass or BPA-free plastic.

With your precious baby in mind,

The Schoolmarm

For the complete article, go to marla.cone@latimes.com