Plastic baby bottles may harm infants

TORONTO, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A chemical used in many plastic baby bottles, bisphenol A, may pose health risks to infants, Canadian researchers said.

Bisphenol A, which is also used in sports bottles, food cans and other plastic drink and food containers, could be leaking from the containers and causing harm to humans, the Montreal Gazette reported.

Some health problems liked to bisphenol A exposure are obesity, cancer, diabetes, early puberty, fertility problems and miscarriages. Scientists reportedly claim fetuses, infants and children are at highest risk.

"The case against this chemical in plastic is now so overwhelming that I expect to see Canadian retailers stepping up to the plate and taking them off the shelves," Canadian Environmental Defense Executive Director Rick Smith said.

Plastic manufacturers reportedly say the chemical is safe because most studies citing health damages were done using animals.