Bounty Poll Reveals British Mums in the Dark Over Bisphenol-A in Ba...( LONDON May 15 /- - Health Prof...),Health

LONDON, May 15 /PRNewswire/ --

- Health Professionals Calling for Further Guidance From Department of Health

Whilst a controversial chemical found in most plastic baby bottles has been making headlines in North America, a poll by Bounty, the UK's biggest parenting club, revealed that 92%(1) of mums are not aware of the chemical Bisphenol-A. US retailers such as Wal-mart and Toys "R" Us are phasing out all baby bottles containing Bisphenol-A and the Canadian government is re-classifying the chemical as toxic and considering a ban on sales in that country. In the UK, research amongst healthcare professionals (including midwives, health visitors, nurses GPs and consultants), whom Bounty has been advising on this issue over the last four months via a programme of educational presentations, shows that 86%(2) think the Department of Health should be providing further guidance.

BPA is a man-made oestrogen used in most hard transparent bottles to prevent them from shattering. The levels previously believed to be safe are now being questioned, as scientists have linked exposure of low levels of BPA to potential changes in neurological and sexual behaviour.

The Department of Health recommends exclusive breast feeding for the first six months. However, concerned mums who are no longer producing milk and bottle feeding can try:

- Switching to alternatives such as glass bottles, PP bottles (made of

polypropylene and have a yellowish tinge) or newer silicone bottles

like the new Babisil range;

- Not heating hard plastic bottles in the microwave or pouring boiled

water into them (instead wait 30 minutes for the water to cool in the

kettle); and

- Throwing away bottles that are scratched or damaged.

Editors notes:

- Bounty (http://www.bounty.com) is the UK's favourite parenting club,

providing information, support and
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