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Do you rush to pull the ears of your tot who broke the glass trying to sneak into the kitchen? Yeah, thank God that some things are unbreakable! That’s why plastic is considered a boon by most of us as they are incredibly lighter, shatter-proof, cheap and can be easily stored. From teething rings to sippy cups and food containers, plastic is an ubiquitous serving vessel for babies, tots and almost everyone. Yes, your toddler can throw and play with it and still not get hurt. But is it really safe your child? Perhaps, glassware has become obsolete but is plastic more a fad than a fab?
Glass bottles became almost obsolete when plastic bottles took the world by storm. Unbreakable, shatterproof, light and easy, plastic bottles suck up in our babies’ lives. Many parents now are wondering whether plastic bottles are safe for a baby, given the recent attention on BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) and pthalates are two toxic substances used to harden plastic, prevent bacteria and rust. Though BPA was banned, some research still suggests that even the plastics that are marked BPA free are not exactly safe for babies. They are dangerous because they are endocrine disruptors as well as carcinogenic (cause cancer). In other words, they mimic hormone estrogens in human body and disrupt the natural balance of endocrine system. These hormones are responsible for the development of brain, the reproductive system, and the immune system. The effect may not be immediate but studies have found that BPA leads to increased risk of cancers, decreased sperm counts, reduced fertility, hyperactivity, obesity, diabetes, and the early onset of puberty. The Times Of India also carried a report on the safety of plastic bottles in 2014 -read it here.
BPA has been tested on animals and it has been found to negatively impact the brain’s development, control, reproductive system and immune system. Some cancers, obesity, diabetes, and early onset of puberty has also been observed as effects of BPA. BPA affects the glands that release hormones to regulate growth, metabolism, and sexual development and how they function, hence disrupting hormonal balance. Some studies have shown that BPA levels in humans are higher than the levels causing effects in animals. Even the plastics that are supposedly BPA free plastics have been found to leach some chemicals into the human blood stream. Quotes babycenter.com, “According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), studies that show the harmful health effects of BPA outnumber studies that don’t by a margin of 9 to 1. ” This has led a BPA free motion in the minds of many parents who do not want to expose their infants to harmful effects of BPA.
We are surrounded by plastic and it’s difficult to completely shun their use. However we can aim to avoid using plastic and try to embrace alternatives. Remember, the food stored in plastic container becomes adulterated with BPA and has potential health hazards for your little one. So ditch plastic and cheers to the health!
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