Six makers of baby bottles in the U.S. announced their decision to remove the controversial chemical from their products. The decision was taken after attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware and New Jersey sent letters last October to 11 companies, asking them to stop using the chemical, which can alter the normal activity of estrogen.

In an attempt to stop the use of baby bottle chemical, some companies have decided to make bisphenol A-free alternatives, including old-fashioned glass baby bottles.

Recent studies have shown that BPA, a synthetic hormone similar to estrogen, can interfere with how the body absorbs the natural hormone estrogen, which is needed in the development of young bodies. The chemical appears to accelerate puberty and pose a cancer risk. Also, the chemical has been tied to higher risk for heart disease and diabetes.

BPA is an organic compound with an annual production of 2–3 million tones, it is an important monomer in the production of polycarbonate, that is used to make a variety of common products including baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, lenses, and household electronics.

A report release last year by the National Toxicology Program said there was “some concern” about its risks in infants. Based on tests on animals the government working group said bisphenol could cause changes in behavior and the brain, and that it might reduce survival and birth weight in fetuses.

On the other hand, the FDA maintains that BPA in plastic products is “well below the levels considered harmful.”
People with higher levels of bisphenol A in their urine may face elevated rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities.