Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound widely used in the manufacture of many plastics. It has been shown that it can leach from the plastic lining of canned foods and polycarbonate plastics that are cleaned with harsh detergents or used to contain acidic or high-temperature liquids.

Infants fed with liquid infant formula have among the highest exposures. The risk comes from using and re-using BPA containing bottles for feeding. There are 2 areas in which parents can reduce exposure to kids.

1. Don't buy products in containers that contain BPA.

For food products being purchased in the supermarket, look at the recycle number. Certain recycle numbers are said to be safer than others. Numbers 2, 4 and 5 are said to be safer. Steer clear of numbers 3, 6 and 7. The Green Guide to Plastic Containers details what type of plastic each number represents.

2. Purchase BPA-free bottles to feed your infant.

• The Z Report on BPA in Children's Feeding Products, 3rd edition is an amazing resource for BPA free products. There is also a printable wallet card providing basic BPA-free recommendations in key product areas AND you can also access the info from your mobile phone. Just text "zrecs" plus a company name and/or a product category to 69866. You'll get a text back providing BPA status.

• Safe Mamas BPA Free Bottle and Cup Cheat Sheet and BPA Free Pacifiers & Teethers Cheat Sheet are 2 more where you can find products that don't contain BPA.

3. Use filtered tap water instead of buying bottled water. Brita Water Filters are BPA free.

EWG's Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles & Formula says, If your water is fluoridated, use a reverse osmosis filter to remove fluoride, which the American Dental Association recommends avoiding when reconstituting formula. If your water is not fluoridated use a carbon filter.

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