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A warning on plastic baby bottles
(Featured on lohud.com)

A number of articles in the press announced that Canada will be the first nation to ban the import and sale of plastic polycarbonate baby bottles, which are made with a certain type of plastic, bisphenol A.

An article on May 6 Daily Mail from the United Kingdom warned that the chemical, bisphenol A, is an estrogen-like compound, which mimics the female hormone estrogen, and can pass from clear plastics into milk, water and juice, particularly when containers are heated. While studies have yet to be conducted to directly examine BPAs' influence on humans, past animal studies have found low doses of the chemical to be associated with early-stage prostate and breast cancers, early puberty and decreased sperm count.

Since BPA is found in numerous plastic products, you probably can no longer completely eliminate your exposure to BPA, but the following tips will help reduce your exposure:

1. Only use glass baby bottles and dishes for your baby.

2. Give your baby natural fabric toys instead of plastic ones.

3. Store your food and beverages in glass - not plastic - containers.

4. If you choose to use a microwave, don't heat food in a plastic container.

5. Reduce the use of canned foods and drinks.

Brett Caminez

West Nyack

The writer practices chiropractic and nutrition.

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