There have been recent concerns that many of the products we use everyday may cause cancer or other serious disorders.

Some of these products are made from plastic containing bispheonol A (BPA). Products labeled with the recycling number “7” or those made from clear, hard plastic probably contain BPA. These plastics may also be called polycarbonate or PVC.

BPA may be found in:
· Plastic that lines the inside of food cans
· Water bottles
· Baby bottles
· Toys
· Compact disc cases
· Other hard plastic products

Concerns were raised based on animal studies. These studies showed a link between BPA and breast cancer, prostate cancer, early puberty in girls and changes in behavior. Today, 93 percent of people older than 6 years have BPA in their urine. Children younger than 6 years have not been tested.

Here are five ways to protect your children:
1. Look for BPA-free items. More are becoming available. Focus on BPA-free baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, toys and food containers.
2. Eat fresh, dried or frozen foods. Eat less canned foods.
3. If using hard plastic containers for food, do not heat them or use them for warm or hot liquids. Heating plastic to high temperatures makes it more likely that chemicals will leak into the food or liquid.
4. Do not wash BPA plastic containers in the dishwasher with harsh detergents.
5. Look for plastic containers with recycling codes 1, 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE) and 5 (PP).