U.S. agency concerned over baby bottle BPA

DURHAM, N.C., April 16 (UPI) -- The National Toxicology Program says the plastics chemical Bisphenol A may be linked to common U.S. reproductive and developmental problems.

"The National Toxicology Program's decision corrects the scientific record. It reflects a significant body of science showing that Bisphenol A, or BPA, may play a larger role than previously thought in a host of common health problems, including prostate cancer, breast cancer and early puberty," Dr. Anila Jacob of the Environmental Working Group said in a statement.

"The findings break new scientific ground, for the first time validating the results of tests conducted on animals at very low doses similar to those which people are exposed to."

BPA can migrate into food from food and beverage containers with internal epoxy resin coatings and from consumer products made of polycarbonate plastic such as baby bottles, tableware, food containers and water bottles, the National Toxicology Program report said.

The Environmental Working Group contacted every major formula company and found all manufacturers use BPA to line the metal portions of all infant formula containers, for both liquid and powdered varieties.