Controversial Chemical BPA Linked To Health Problems Being Discontinued By Bottle Maker

April 18, 2008 11:29 p.m. EST

Ottowa, Canada (AHN) - New York-based plastic bottle maker Nalgene will stop using a chemical linked to neurological and behavioural problems in babies and obesity, diabetes and some cancers in adults, as Canada moves to ban the compound from baby bottles.

Rochester, New York, based hard plastic bottle manufacturer Nalgene says it will voluntarily stop using the controversial chemical bisphenol A, also known as B-P-A, in its products.

Canada announced Friday that it will ban the import or sale of polycarbonate baby bottles containing B-P-A because it has been linked to a variety of ailments in humans.

Canada's move will make it the first country to limit exposure to the chemical.

A 60-day public comment period is necessary before Canada's ban could take effect, Canada's CBC News reported.

B-P-A is found in hundreds of household items as well as food can liners, FOX news reported..

Numerous animal studies from research on exposure to low levels of B-P-A have found a link to the chemical and various ailments, but the chemical industry has argued that the amount of the chemical that could leach from bottles isn't harmful.

Canada's ban would only apply to baby bottles, not other items made with the chemical.

However, the maker of Nalgene plastic bottles has announced that it will voluntarily pull hard-plastic bottles containing the chemical.