In America, bottle feeding is a prevalent method of feeding infants, whereby parents are advised to warm up milk or formula to the temperature of the baby’s body, to ensure it is both comfortable and healthy for the child to consume.
Recent lawsuits have revealed that bottles from Philips North America and Handi-Craft Company are not designed to withstand heat. This poses a significant problem for those who use these bottles and expose them to high temperatures. As reported by Reuters, the issue is being taken seriously as it can have adverse effects on the users.
Two class-action lawsuits were filed on June 25 in California’s federal court against baby bottle providers. The lawsuits claim that the companies did not provide adequate warnings to buyers regarding the bottles, which are composed of polypropylene.
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Why polypropylene?
According to Reuters, heating plastic bottles causes them to release microplastics, which are tiny plastic fragments that the human body can absorb. While the complete impact of these microplastics on health is not yet known, studies have linked them to the development of cancer.
When Plastic bottles are exposed to heat, they can release additional chemicals into the liquid they contain.
According to a report by Reuters, the manufacturers of the baby bottles that are being sued claimed that the bottles are free from BPA. While BPA is a widely used chemical that can seep into liquids from heated plastic, products that claim to be free from BPA might give the impression that they are safe to be heated.
The lawsuit also alleges that the sellers were aware that the bottles would be heated regularly as part of their normal usage, but failed to warn parents about it.
According to Shireen Clarkson, one of the attorneys involved in the lawsuits, the issue of microplastics is especially worrisome when it comes to babies and infants.
What steps are being taken?
According to Reuters, the recently filed lawsuits aren’t just seeking damages for California residents, but for buyers of the baby bottles throughout the entire nation. Additionally, the suits aim to prohibit the bottles from being sold or advertised as safe for infants.
Consumer reports suggest that parents consider exploring plastic-free options such as silicon or glass bottles.
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