NEWS RELEASE

April 22nd, 2008

Recently, polycarbonate bottles have been receiving a lot of attention from the media, due to their bisphenol A (BPA) content.  BPA is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate, which is used in many consumer products, including but not limited to, reusable water bottles and baby bottles.  BPA is also found in epoxy resins, which act as a protective lining on the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans.

It was determined, by Health Canada, the main source of exposure for newborns and infants is through the use of polycarbonate baby bottles when they are exposed to high temperatures and the migration of BPA from the can lining into infant formula.  The scientists concluded in this assessment that BPA exposure to newborns and infants is below levels that may pose a risk, however, the gap between exposure and effect is not large enough.

Canada is the first country in the world to initiate a 60 day public comment period on whether to ban the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles which contain bisphenol A (BPA).  Health Canada’s screening assessment of BPA primarily focused on its impacts on newborns and infants up to 18 months of age.

In Tony Clements press release he has clearly stated that the current research tells us that the general public need not be concerned as the levels of BPA in polycarbonate water bottles that Canadian adults are exposed to, are not harmful.  In general, most Canadians are exposed to very low levels of BPA and it does not pose a significant health risk.  Health affects occur at levels much greater than those we are exposed to in Canada and that evidence suggests, therefore, that there is no health risk to adults.