Growing concern over plastics used by babies

PORTLAND, Ore. - As a mother of a toddler, Lexi Galton does what she can to protect her daughter Charlotte.

So she was disappointed when she learned the baby bottles she wanted were sold out recently at a Portland Whole Foods.

The bottles she sought weren't normal. She wanted ones that don't contain bisphenol A or phthalates - chemicals that have been linked to cancer.

The problem is that bisphenol A and phthalates are used to make a wide variety of plastic goods, from baby bottles to water jugs and even linings in cans. And it's in most of us: the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found bisphenol A in 95 percent of people tested - while 75 percent had phthalates in their system.

There's been so much concern over plastics that hospitals around the country have taken steps to remove IV tubings, filters and devices made with the chemical "DEHP."

Oregon Health and Science University began that process about two-and-a-half years ago.
    
"We have eliminated or replaced as much as possible," said Ruby Jason, the director of nursing at Doernbecher Children's Hospital who led OHSU's efforts.

For nurses and staff, the changes meant having to learn new procedures. But in this modern era - it's hard to get away from plastic.

Jason said there is some medical equipment that simply can't be made without certain chemicals.

"The thing to remember is that while we can minimize the exposure of DEHP, until technology catches up with research, we are not going to be able to totally eliminate DEHP," she said. The choice for us, Jason said, is life-saving interventions versus exposure to DEHP.

As word of these dangers gets out, it's no wonder bisphenol A-free baby bottles are sold out. The bottles can cost twice as much as regular bottles. But parents we talked to said it's worth the peace of mind.

Whole Foods, Sears, Target and Kmart are among the growing list of companies phasing out toxic chemicals in its products.

One important thing to note: although bisphenol A and phthalates have been linked to cancer - scientists need more research to determine how much it takes to cause cancer in humans.