Environmental groups have been warning us about the risks of BPA -- a compound commonly found in plastic goods -- for years. The FDA says it has found no reason to ban or restrict its use so far, but a government research study done by the National Toxicology Program agreed with previous studies -- in lab animals, small doses of BPA does lead to precancerous prostrate tumors. Not only that, the chemical also causes urinary problems and early puberty in the animals.

Perhaps most alarming, BPA is found in popular brand name baby bottles, as well as the lining of cans and bottles of formula. It's also used in food containers, plastic water bottles, and dental sealants.

Sandy over at our sister site Parent Dish recently wrote a post about how to tell if your plastic is a safe one. If your product is hard and clear, chances are it contains BPA. You can also flip it over and look at the bottom. If its stamped with a 3,6, or 7, it's not safe for use. The numbers 1 and 5, however, are concerned safe for single use.

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Julie's Health Club recently wrote about the rising health concern over polycarbonate plastic (e.g., Nalgene). I first heard the buzz a couple months back when an acquaintance recommended my kids stop drinking from polycarbonate plastic water bottles. She said research is linking this type of plastic to hormone problems. My son sips from a kid-sized Nalgene every day during kindergarten snack.

Now Globe and Mail reports Canada's largest specialty outdoor-goods retailer, Mountain Equipment Co-op, is pulling polycarbonate plastic food and beverage containers from its shelves over health concerns. Polycarbonate plastic is made from bisphenol A (BPA), derived from petrochemicals and said to mimic estrogen. Independent studies have tied this chemical to illnesses potentially triggered by hormone disruption. Bisphenol A-makers state their research proves the chemical is safe.

According to Globe and Mail, Health Canada is embarking on its own assessment of the controversial chemical, with preliminary results due next spring. Mountain Equipment is following the controversy, and stated that concern over bisphenol A has risen among a portion of the company's membership. The retailer, with about $222 million in annual sales, charges a membership fee to customers.

Wow. When a retailer that large makes such a bold move, I am paying attention. I, too, am pulling that purple Nalgene out of my son's snack bag. To remain on the safe side, I will be purchasing water containers without bisphenol A. Nalgene does sell containers without the chemical, and I just wrote a post the other day on SIGG aluminum water bottles -- a choice to consider. SIGGs do not contain bisphenol A -- see this letter assuring this fact from SIGG USA's president, Steve Wasik, which I linked to via SIGG's frequently asked questions section of their website.

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