HARMFUL BPA CHEMICAL IN PLASTIC BOTTLES

I'm finding it hard to justify sterilising bottles, against the anti-BPA advice.

For a start, I don't think you need to sterilise in a clean household; but this BPA chemical in plastic is worrying me.

The chemical Bisphenol-A, is found in all feeding bottles made from polycarbonate.

It is released when the bottle is heated, so what happens to the droplets of water left in the bottle after sterilising?
And .. should we be heating a bottle to boiling point, when this is the worst thing to do? (see 2. & 3. below)

There are bottles such as Born Free, which are BPA safe, but the majority of the bottles on sale on the High Street are toxic.

Here is some information from:-
"Toxic Baby Bottles", By Rachel L. Gibson, Environment California Research & Policy Center, 2007

1. You should not heat food in plastic containers, or heat liquids in plastic baby bottles.
2. Heating food and liquids in plastic containers can cause chemicals and additives in the plastics to leach out more readily—right into baby’s food and milk.
3. While some plastic containers are marketed as “microwave safe,” it is safest to avoid them for heating.
4. If you do use plastic bottles, containers, or dishware, avoid harsh detergents or hot water when washing them to reduce exposure.
5. Do not put plastic bottles, or containers in the dishwasher.
6. Also, throw out any plastic bottles, containers and dishware that start to look scratched or hazy.
7. Do not let milk sit for long periods of time in plastic.

I know quite a few parents who use the dishwasher for baby's bottles. But what about the rinse aid left in them? Never like that either.

Oh I wish I were a chemist, or would I frighten myself even more!