Many parents and consumers worry about exposing babies and children to environmental toxins. Such toxins can be found in food, toys, furniture, packaging, and building materials. One of the most common of these is Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, which is not only used in producing a wide variety of plastic toys, dishes, and water bottles, but it can also be found in many packaged foods and beverages.
What is BPA and Why is it Dangerous?
Bisphenol A is a compound that has been added to plastic products for more than fifty years. It has been classified as an endocrine disruptor, which acts in the human body like a type of hormone. Animal studies have shown that this may have a negative effect on health.
The National Institutes of Health encourages consumers to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, to use glass and steel containers for storage and drinking when possible, and to use BPA-free baby bottles.
The December 2009 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine includes an article on BPA found in canned and packaged foods. However, some parents and consumers believe in going a step further and avoiding all plastics containing BPA, especially those that come into contact with children and babies, such as toys.
How to Find BPA-Free Toys for Children
Many companies and toy manufacturers are now making and marketing BPA-free toys for babies and children. Both Wal-Mart and Toys "R" Us are committed to phasing out products that contain BPA.
However, the best way to avoid BPA in toys is to buy toys that are made of wood or cloth rather than plastic. Companies like Under the Nile make eco-friendly toys out of organic Egyptian cotton, using all-natural fillers and vegetable-based dyes.
When buying plastic toys, parents and consumers are advised to read labels and ask the store owner or manufacturer about the availability of BPA-free plastics.
Buying Used Toys and Baby Items
Plastic toys made before 2008 most likely contain BPA, as this was the year that some toy manufacturers began phasing out BPA in plastics. Consumers can also check with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's website to make sure any toy bought new or used has not been recalled. Each of these sites provides lists of toy recalls and toy hazards.
Avoid scratched, cracked or cloudy plastics, particularly those used for feeding babies and young children, such as dishes, containers, and sippy cups. Parents and consumers should also avoid buying items made with PVC plastics.
Although the US Food and Drug Administration is currently continuing its risk-assessment of BPA, parents and consumers are encouraged to seek alternatives to plastic containers and toys containing BPA, such as glass containers, wood and cloth toys, and BPA-free plastics. Reading labels and checking with manufacturers can help parents and consumers become more informed about plastic items for babies and children.
Sandra Raymond - Sandra Raymond is a writer, teacher, and new mom living in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has an MA in Literature and a Doctorate in Education ...
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