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Environment Ministry to probe babies’ feeding bottles concerns

21 Feb 2022

BY Pamodi Waravita  Environment Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that the ministry hopes to look into concerns that have been raised about bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical, that has been found in feeding bottles and containers intended for babies  “Bisphenol A, along with other applications, is used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is a colourless solid that is soluble in organic solvents but poorly soluble in water. It is also used in the manufacture of thermal paper used in sales receipts,” Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Senior Advisor Hemantha Withanage noted in a social media statement last Saturday (19).  The study, conducted by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), notes that from 142 samples of hard and transparent plastic bottles and cups collected from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, BPA is present in 78% of them.  “Newborn and infant exposure to BPA increases the sensitivity of hormone-sensitive organs to later-life exposures to estrogens or chemical carcinogens. BPA is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a complex hormonal condition associated with irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, and increased risk of diabetes. In men, BPA affects fertility and is associated with sexual dysfunction among men exposed to high occupational levels,” the IPEN stated in its report.  Speaking to The Morning yesterday (20), Dr. Jasinghe said that the ministry hopes to study the said report and look into areas of concern. “However, we have not yet received the report,” added Dr. Jasinghe.  The IPEN has further said that the BPA is toxic to several aquatic creatures, and has added that certain countries have introduced legislation to restrict the use of BPA in baby feeding bottles. Meanwhile, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has stepped up a campaign to standardise the feeding bottles and food containers intended for use by children in Sri Lanka due to the presence of toxic chemicals. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (20), CEJ Executive Director Dilena Pathiragoda said they would have a discussion with the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) and Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) over the next few days on the matter. “This is a serious issue and we have to make proper rules and regulations for standardising feeding bottles and food containers.” He also noted that the CEJ expects to send a letter to both these institutions, urging them to solve this matter urgently, as it is a matter of children.  


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