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    BPA Linked to Behavior Problems in Children, Concerns Parents

    By Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Sat, Oct 29, 2011
    This story comes from the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where individuals publish their unique perspectives on some of the world’s most popular websites.
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    Reports of behavioral issues in children exposed to BPA have raised red flags. Plastic baby bottles and baby products containing BPA pose special risk to infants and children. South Africa and a county in Oregon have banned BPA in certain uses. Here' why BPA is an important concern for parents.

    Risks to children from BPA products

    Bisphenol A is a toxic, industrial chemical additive used with epoxies, resins and polycarbonate plastics. It causes health problems by leaking into foods and beverages. It enters the bloodstream through hand contact. Children who handle BPA-containing products and ingest BPA through foods are at double risk. It has been found to be a hormone disruptor, mimicking hormones like female estrogen.

    BPA used in children's products

    BPA is used extensively in beverage and food containers, especially with children's products. Toys, baby bottles, baby food containers and plastic teething products contain BPA. It's also used in coatings for baby formula cans and bottle nipples.

    BPA and children's behavior issues

    Pediatrics magazine came out with a report showing that increased levels of gestational BPA led to behavioral problems in children. Urine samples from 244 mother-and-child pairs were tested. After birth, children were evaluated on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children. The BASC-2 is a survey that parents rate their preschool children's behavior. As a diagnostic, it has proved a reliable indicator of behavior, because uses caregiver-generated data.

    Parent-reported behavior issues

    Children with high levels of BPA were reported to have more emotional issues. In both genders, hyperactivity scores were up 0.5 percent. Anxiety jumped 7 percent. And depression was up 4.9 percent. Girls were shown to be more vulnerable.

    Parenting tips to prevent BPA consumption

    Children's health advocates urge parents to look for BPA-free products. Exposing plastics to extreme heat or cold releases BPA toxins. Parents are advised not to heat infant formula in plastic bottles and to avoid heating baby food in microwaves. Parents should not refrigerate or freeze baby food or milk in plastic containers or food storage bags containing BPA.

     

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