The Center of Education for Children’s Health and the Environment

Although it is not impossible to find a polycarbonate bottle, it is getting harder and harder as Canadian retailers take action.Here are some of the retailers that have removed some polycarbonate products from their store shelves. It is important to note, some stores have a specific policy just on the removal of baby bottles.

Pulled their polycarbonate plastic water bottles in December 2007

Stopped selling polycarbonate bottles in December 2007

Announced on April 15 that it would remove plastic water bottles and food storage containers that are known to contain bisphenol A from its stores (Canadian Tire, Mark’s Work Warehouse and PartSource).The Forzani Group Ltd.On April 15, this major sports retailer announced it would remove all water bottles containing bisphenol A and replace them with BPA-free alternatives. This decision affects store such as Sport Chek, Coast Mountain Sports, Sport Mart, National Sports, Athletes World, Sports Experts, Intersport, Econosport, Atmosphere, Tech Shop, Pegasus, Nevada Bob

’s Golf, Hockey Experts, and The Fitness Source.Home Depot Canada

Committed on April 16 to get rid of BPA products.

Announced on April 16 that it stopped selling polycarbonate baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, food containers and water bottles containing bisphenol A, as identified by its product suppliers.

On April 16 announced it removed all BPA baby products from its Bay and Zellers stores.

Announced on April 17 that the company would remove baby products and sport bottles containing BPA.

On April 17 committed to identifying products containing BPA and removing them from their stores.

Announced on April 17 that it would remove all baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers and select food containers and water bottles containing BPA.

The makers of Nalgene bottles announced on April 18 that it would phase-out production of polycarbonate water bottles and replace them with a BPA-free bottle alternative.

Announced on April 18 that it would replace infant feeding products made with BPA with a BPA-free material by the end of 2008.

Canada Safeway Limited Colabor, L.P.

On April 18 the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors announced that its members (listed above) would withdraw all polycarbonate baby bottles from sale.

Cassandra Polyzou

Environmental Defence

www.toxicnation.ca

Phthalates - What are they and how are they used?

Phthalates (pronounced “thah-lates”) are chemical plasticizers that have been widely used since the 1950s to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle and crack when bent. Because phthalates are not chemically bound to the products they appear in, they leach into the atmosphere and into liquids. What then happens is we ingest, inhale and absorb phthalates when exposed to them. This is especially true for products that contain phthalates and are applied directly to skin.

1) Start a replacement policy for your cosmetic, personal care and cleaning products. When your current products are getting low replace them with safer alternatives. If you are not sure how to find safer products contact your local Affiliate Educator for more information.

2) Start buying organic fruit and veggies where possible. This is especially important for children as they are much more vulnerable to toxic exposures. Local farmers markets are often the most economical way to get fresh organic produce. If you are worried about the cost, cut down on processed foods and bulk up on veggies, it’s cheaper and your body will love you for it! Organic farming uses less water than conventional farming and none of the pesticides that not only poison our food but also contaminate our soil and waterways. Nutritionally organic fruit and veggies are significantly higher in antioxidants and some nutrients.

3) Get rid of the plastic! Whenever you have an option to use alternatives to plastic; do so. This includes bags, toys, and utensils, drinking containers, baby bottles, sippy cups and especially food storage items.

4) Buy recycled products when possible, from toilet paper and serviettes to converting your office to use 100% recycled paper, it all helps.

5) Buy sustainable, organic cotton and hemp clothing when possible. There are more and more companies making this a viable option. For online stores that sell organic baby clothes, blankets, crib pads go to www.ceche.net and look under “CECHE Recommends”.

6) Get rid of those air fresheners and plug in candles! Many of them are neurotoxins and contain formaldehyde.

7) Recycle whenever you can! This includes everything from baby clothes to furniture to wrapping paper.

Why should you be concerned about toxic exposures in young children and unborn babies?

Chemical exposures in young children are greater pound-for-pound than those of an adult. Young children have an immature, porous blood-brain barrier which allows greater chemical exposure to reach the developing brain. Their rapidly developing organs and systems are more vulnerable to damage from these exposures. The systems that detoxify and excrete chemicals in young children are not fully developed and they have a longer life span ahead of them for adverse effects to arise.

The document – “Polluted Children, Toxic Nation - A Report on Pollution in Canadian Families” summarizes what we currently know in Canada about the growing body of research on toxic exposures and chemical contamination and what that might mean for the future health of our children.

It provides an excellent summary of children’s unique vulnerability and how their behaviour increases their risk of exposure to chemicals. What is very helpful is the insight it will give readers about the differences between low levels of exposures versus high levels of exposures.

It is easy to read and can be downloaded at:

www.environmentaldefence.ca/reports/toxicnationFamily.htm