Unlock Autism

Its amazing how an Autistic child continues to grow and develop considering how their diets are so limited at times. Is this a cause of Autism or a clue to what lies ahead? The more clues the better, the earlier the better as well. this article points to being able to identify children at one month who MAY have an ASD, this would be welcome news as the best remedy for Autism right now is getting the right therapy in Early Childhood.

New research on the finicky eating habits of children with autism finds that while autistic children do tend to eat a less varied diet than other kids, their feeding preferences have little negative effect on their height, weight and growth.

Researchers at the University of Bristol began with a database of all children who were born between 1991 and 1992 and enrolled in a long-term study in Avon, England. The children’s caregivers completed detailed food questionnaires describing the kids’ eating habits at five intervals, beginning at 6 months and continuing to age four and a half. Since autism is generally not diagnosed until after age 2, when children begin speaking, the study captured feeding habits in children well before parents were even aware their children may be affected with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That means their answers to the questionnaires were less likely to be biased by knowledge of their child’s eventual autism status.

By the end of the study, when the children were 7 years old, 79 had been diagnosed with an ASD, compared with 12,901 who had not.

Researchers found that by the time they were 1 month old, autistic children were already 35% more likely than unaffected children to be slow feeders. By 1 year, their diets were considerably less varied – they ate fewer vegetables and fruits, but they also consumed less sweets and carbonated beverages. By that age, parents also reported that children with ASD were nearly twice as likely to be choosier about their food than unaffected children.

However, the scientists found no significant differences in the total energy intake or overall carbohydrate, fat and protein consumption between the autistic children and the controls at 18 months. All the children were similar in height, weight and body mass index (or BMI, a ratio of height and weight used to measure obesity). “For parents of an autistic child, these data suggest they needn’t be too concerned about their child’s eating habits,” says Pauline Emmett, a nutritionist and one of the authors of the paper published in Pediatrics. “In general, these children are not going to end up malnourished. I think it’s a hopeful message for parents.”

Read more at Time.com

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For the past year or so, I have tried to watch every movie with an Autism link in it in hopes of learning or as a source of inspiration. And for the most part, this has worked in providing insight and further understanding. Recently, I watched the Temple Grandin movie starring Claire Danes on HBO last night. All I can say is very well done and impressive. I highly suggest making time to view this movie which to me was dead on.

Here is a speech given by Temple Grandin that is sure to educate and inspire. Here are some insights from Temple on what to do as soon as you know or see an indication of Autism. “When I was a little kid, I had all the symptoms – no speech and really severe autism,” she says. “You’ve gotta work with the kids really young … My mother made sure I had my first job when I was 13, working for a seamstress. When I was in college, I had internships at a research lab and at a school for autistic kids.” Early intervention is key.

There are a wealth of great tips and insights in this video for anyone who is in contact with an autistic person- Focus on strengths, Don’t punish sensory issues, The Autistic brain is highly detailed and constantly at work, limit surprises. Thinking in pictures- a mind that works like Google search engine for images and more…

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• Temple Grandin’s theories on autism (marginalrevolution.com)
• Temple Grandin premieres on HBO (timeoutny.com)
• Claire Danes as the Autistic Temple Grandin (cinematical.com)
• Claire Danes plays autistic icon Temple Grandin (trueslant.com)
• Autism through a time machine (thestar.com)

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• What’s the Story About Gastrointestinal Problems in Kids With Autism? (usnews.com)
• Discrimination Against Persons with Low Functioning Autism (autisminnb.blogspot.com)
• Autism-Supplements.com and Generation Rescue Work Together to Raise Money for Biomedical Autism Treatments (prweb.com)
• The Lancet retracts paper linking MMR vaccines and autism (arstechnica.com)

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Finally a positive article about Autism and why not, the attention, focus and commitment to detail found in most Autistics would make anybody a more productive worker, and they probably wont gossip too much either.

Radical Ideas from

Thorkil Sonne: Recruit Autistics

By Drake Bennett

Most occupations require people skills. But for some, a preternatural capacity for concentration and near-total recall matter more. Those jobs, entrepreneur Thorkil Sonne says, could use a little autism.

Sonne reached this conclusion six years ago, after his youngest son was diagnosed with the mysterious developmental disorder. “At first I was in agony and despair,” he recalls. “Then came the thought of what happens when he grows up.”

In Sonne’s native Denmark, as elsewhere, autistics are typically considered unemployable. But Sonne worked in IT, a field more suited to people with autism and related conditions like Asperger’s syndrome. “As a general view, they have excellent memory and strong attention to detail. They are persistent and good at following structures and routines,” he says. In other words, they’re born software engineers.

In 2004, Sonne quit his job at a telecom firm and founded Specialisterne (Danish for “Specialists”), an IT consultancy that hires mostly people with autism-spectrum disorders. Its nearly 60 consultants ferret out software errors for companies like Microsoft and Cisco Systems. Recently, the firm has expanded into other detail-centered work-like keeping track of Denmark’s fiber-optic network, so crews laying new lines don’t accidentally cut old ones.  Read more at WIRED.com

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With autism, parents have extreme concerns about future independence, finances and isolation, compared to more common worries of parents with typically developing children

(Washington, December 16, 2008) — Parents of children with autism are struggling with a host of worries that impact every aspect of their lives, and are particularly fearful that their family will lack the life-long supports needed to address the significant challenges of autism, according to a new study released today by Easter Seals and made possible by MassMutual Financial Group.

Easter Seals’ Living with Autism Study results reveal parents raising children with autism are very concerned about the future independence of their children. In fact, they’re far more concerned than parents of typically developing children — nearly 80 percent say they’re extremely or very concerned about their children’s independence as an adult, compared to only 32 percent of other parents. This is especially true when it comes to their financial independence, quality of life, social and inter-personal connections, and employment and housing opportunities — and with good reason.

Autism is a growing public health crisis, with millions of families desperate for solutions and resources. Easter Seals and others in the autism community are doing their best, but current systems, structures and resources to help people with autism and their families do not adequately meet the growing need, especially for adults with autism.

“The study quantifies what we’ve heard anecdotally over the years,” says Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, Easter Seals national director, autism services. “The one consistent message Easter Seals hears from the families we serve — after the initial apprehension and anxiety of learning their child has autism — is an overwhelming concern about the life-long supports their child with autism may need to be independent.”

Study Shows Parents’ Hope for Independence . . . Financial and Otherwise
The nationwide study provides new insight into the ongoing challenges facing individuals and families living with autism, particularly their concerns about the future. It’s unique in that it closely considers and quantifies the very real concerns of parents of children with autism in relation to parents of typically developing children.

A sampling of the findings:

• Parents of children living with autism are very concerned about their children fitting into society, with very few feeling their children will be able to:
  • Make his or her own life decisions (14% compared to 65% of parents with typically developing children)
  • Have friends in the community (17% compared to 57% of typical parents)
  • Have a spouse or life partner (9% compared to 51% of typical parents)
  • Be valued by their community (18% compared to 50% of typical parents)
  • Participate in recreational activities (20% compared to 50% of typical parents)
• Children with autism also are less likely than their typically developing peers to have bank accounts (37% vs. 55%) and use electronic products like cell phones (9% vs. 41%) or MP3 players (23% vs. 49%) — all tools of mainstream society.
• Many parents of children with autism report they’re “financially drowning,” with concerns for their children’s financial independence seeming to far surpass the worries of typical parents. Seventy-four percent of parents of children with autism fear their children will not have enough financial support after they die, while only 18% of typical parents share this fear.

  They also express extreme financial strains and costs associated with caring for a child with autism, with more than half stating that the cost of caring for my child:

  • Drains my family’s current financial resources (52% compared to 13% of typical parents)
  • Will drain my family’s future finances (50% compared to 10% of typical parents)
  • Will cause me to fall short of cash during retirement (54% compared to 13% of typical parents)
• Key to adult independence is employment, yet only 24% of teenagers with autism have looked for a job, compared to 77% of their typically developing peers. And 76% of parents of children with autism are concerned about their child’s future employment, when only 35% of typical parents share this fear.

“Families living with autism face so many challenges on a daily basis,” says John Chandler, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of MassMutual’s U.S. Insurance Group. “But this study has really brought home for us how much stress they face when it comes to their current financial situation, the future of their child with autism, their other children and their own retirement. Our hundreds of Special Care Planners across the country are in a great position to help make at least this part of their struggle easier.”

As an Easter Seals corporate partner and the study sponsor, MassMutual is committed to serving people living with autism and other disabilities through its exclusive SpecialCareSM program, an innovative solution that gives families with individuals with special needs access to information, specialists, and financial strategies that can help improve their quality of life.

Easter Seals worked with Harris Interactive, and in cooperation with the Autism Society of America, to conduct the Living with Autism Study and survey 1,652 parents of children who have autism and 917 parents of typically developing children about daily life, relationships, independence, education, housing, employment, finances and healthcare.*

Study Findings to Drive Solutions
“Easter Seals strives to make data-based-decisions,” Wright says. “With this study, the disparities that parents of typically developing children and parents of children with autism experience can now be shared via solid numbers.”

Easter Seals will use the study results to raise awareness of and advocate for the life-long services millions of families living with autism desperately need — including school to work transitions, employment support, residential and community support, and financial planning.

“For parents of kids with autism, there are no simple answers,” adds Wright. “There is an urgent need for increased funding and services — especially for adults with autism. Easter Seals wants to help change all of this and make a difference for families living with autism today.”

*Methodology
This Easter Seals’ Living with Autism Study was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Easter Seals between June 16 and July 17, 2008 among 1,652 parents of children age 30 and under who have autism and 917 parents of typically developing children age 30 and under. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

About Easter Seals
Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way a person’s brain functions, involving challenges in communication, social skills, and behaviors. While there is no known cause or cure, autism is treatable and people with autism can — and do — lead meaningful lives. Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For nearly 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Visit www.easterseals.com or http://www.actforautism.org/ to learn more about autism, find services at an Easter Seals near you, or help change the lives of people living with autism by becoming a donor or volunteer.

About Harris Interactive®
Harris Interactive is a global leader in custom market research. With a long and rich history in multimodal research that is powered by our science and technology, we assist clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, please visit http://www.harrisinteractive.com/.

About MassMutual Financial Group
MassMutual is a leader in helping people with disabilities and other special needs and their families through its exclusive SpecialCareSM Program, an innovative outreach initiative that provides access to information, specialists, and financial solutions that can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and other special needs and their families and caregivers. For more information and resources on autism, go to www.massmutual.com/autism.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual and its subsidiaries had more than $500 billion in assets under management at year-end 2007. Assets under management include assets and certain external investment funds managed by MassMutual’s subsidiaries. Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a mutually owned financial protection, accumulation and income management company headquartered in Springfield, Mass. MassMutual’s major affiliates include: OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MML Investors Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC (http://www.finra.org/ and http://www.sipc.org/); MassMutual International LLC and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB. MassMutual is on the Internet at http://www.massmutual.com/.

About the Autism Society of America (ASA)
ASA, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit http://www.autism-society.org/.

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I found this on the Easter Seals site and suggest  visiting their site for more in depth information on Autism and Services needed for children on the spectrum.

Easter Seals — helping people with disabilities gain greater independence

Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.
Understanding Speech and Hearing Therapy

Speech and hearing therapy (also known as speech-language pathology and audiology) are important health-related specialties concerned with normal development of human communication and treatment of its disorders. Speech therapy focuses on voice and speech-language skills, while hearing therapy deals with hearing and hearing impairment.

Speech or language disorders may be present at birth or acquired later in life by disease, illness, head injury, substance abuse or allergy.

Hearing loss may be acquired before or during birth if a pregnant woman takes certain drugs or contracts a viral disease such as rubella (German Measles). Children sometimes acquire hearing loss from infection and inflammation of the middle ear or from communicable diseases. Adult hearing may be affected by prolonged exposure to loud noise and the process of aging.

Who Needs Speech-Language Pathology and Audiological Services?

Speech-Language Pathology is used to help:

* Individuals with voice disorders to develop proper control of their vocal and respiratory systems
* Individuals who stutter to learn to cope with the disorder and increase fluency
* Individuals with aphasia (a condition in which an individual has difficulty expressing thoughts and understanding others) as a result    of a stroke or head injury. Speech-language pathology helps individuals relearn language and speech skills.
* Children and young adults with language disorders

Audiological services are used to:

* Determine existence and type of hearing impairments
* Provide rehabilitative services
* Assess amplification devices, such as hearing aids
* Teach individuals ways in which they can make the best use of their remaining hearing

Speech and hearing therapists, recognized as speech-language pathologists and audiologists, who provide treatment are professionally trained specialists holding master’s degrees or the equivalent from programs accredited by an Educational Standards Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Some speech-language pathologists and audiologists hold doctoral degrees and work as teachers, advisors, researchers and consultants. Some specialize in certain areas, such as aphasia or hearing disorders in children, or participate in prevention and early identification programs.

Speech-language pathologists who use the initials “CCC-SLP” after their name have passed a national examination administered by the Clinical Certification Board of ASHA. Audiologists who pass a different national test, administered by the board, receive a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology and qualify to use the initials “CCC-A” after their name. A person who meets requirements in both professional areas may be awarded both certificates.

Individualized Treatment Plans

A speech-language pathologist evaluates a person’s speech-language skills, determines the probable cause and extent of any existing disorder and develops appropriate treatment to correct or lessen the communication problem. Clinical methods used depend on the nature and severity of the problem, the age of the client and the client’s awareness of the problem.

An audiologist, after evaluating a person’s hearing and determining the type of hearing loss, establishes a treatment plan. This may involve therapy, prescription of special equipment such as hearing aids and electronic communication devices and referral for possible surgery or medication.

Visit the Easter Seals site for more information

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Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre have created the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, or AQ, as a measure of the extent of autistic traits in adults. In the first major trial using the test, the average score in the control group was 16.4. Eighty percent of those diagnosed with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher. The test is not a means for making a diagnosis, however, and many who score above 32 and even meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger’s report no difficulty functioning in their everyday lives. You can take the test here.

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Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, and Unlock Autism today applauded Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) for their introduction of a House companion bill to the Senate’s Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA), which was introduced last month by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Like the Senate version, the House version of the ATAA (H.R. 2413) is comprehensive federal legislation that addresses several critical challenges facing the autism community, including increased funding for scientific research, treatment and services. The ATAA incorporates provisions from the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA), originally proposed by Representatives Doyle, Smith, Engel, and former-Representative Chip Pickering.

A welcome sign of relief  to many who routinely spend $30-$50k on therapy’s – not even considered for reimbursement by insurance companies.

As in the Senate’s ATAA bill, a key section of the House bill requires all insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASDs), including coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy – a medically-necessary, evidence-based autism treatment. While the number of states that have enacted comprehensive autism insurance reform legislation has grown to ten, most state insurers are still allowed to specifically exclude coverage for these critical services, which can cost upward of $50,000 a year – well beyond the means of most families.

The House version of the bill also addresses the unique needs of adults with ASDs, creating a demonstration project with one-year planning grants and multi-year implementation grants for the provision of service for adults with autism. In addition, it creates the Network for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research and Services aimed at accelerating the dissemination and utilization of critical, new information, moving it from “bench to bedside” as quickly as possible.

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What are thre best schools for Autism services? The consensus seems to be larger, mostly Northeast cities but there is no
one resource for researching or selecting the best school options for your child.

I have been searching for the past 4 years now, finally I present a few posts I have found that offer a glimmer of information.

In my experience it comes down to knowing your rights and always have an advocate in the room with you. We live in NY, we found the services
are varied form district to district and have come a long way. In the end though, there is no plan for my child past 6th grade, his options are Boces
or some place far, far away from home.  If you do find a good site, please post it so we can help spread the word.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061109092801AAiVpeX

http://www.city-data.com/forum/special-needs-children/300371-best-school-districts-us-autistic-children-4.html

http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/autism-schools.html

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Can leaching plastics be involved with the rise in Autism? In m y view ABSOLUTELY! These days everything which was once housed in glass is now in plastic. Plastic water bottles embossed with company logo’s straight from the  capital of lead poisining – China, fill almost every corporate portfolio of chatzke giveaways. Its time to rid ourselves of plastics and go back to glass. Rep Charles Schumer of NY has just recently proposed a ban of BPA’s in any baby product, at least someone is aware and doing something about it!
BPA or Bisphenol A is Everywhere – Are We Safe?
BPA otherwise known as Bisphenol A is a compound widely used in the manufacture of plastics and epoxy resins. This
industrial chemical has created quite a stir since 2007 and is still a subject of intense controversy. BPA can be found
in plastics around us and is in the products that we use every day, from DVDs to eyeglasses to mobile phones.
Normally, BPA is harmless, that is, until it gets in contact with food and drinks and leaches out. According to
a report of the National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), “the primary
source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet…BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority
of daily human exposure.”

However, not all plastics contain BPA. Plastics are categorized into 7 types according to the recycling process
and the classification codes are located at the bottom of plastic containers. According to NTP, only plastic no. 7,
designated as “other” contains BPA. Incidentally there are other organizations which report that BPA is also found in
plastic no. 3.

Some of the adverse effects that BPA may cause include the following:

BPA is an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) that mimics the neurotoxic properties of the hormone estrogen.
According to the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) of the Association of Occupational and
Environmental Clinics (AOEC). “BPA has been associated with increases in developmental disorders of the brain and
nervous system in animals. These developmental disorders in animals are like problems such as ADHD (attention deficit
hyper-reactivity disorder) in humans.”

PEHSU reports that “BPA may cause changes in cells in breasts, the uterus, and the prostate which can increase
risk of cancers.” The September 2008 report of NTP suggests that BPA exposure may be linked to prostate and brain
cancer.

The NTP report also says that BPA can cause behavioral problems in fetuses, infants and children. It can induce
early onset of puberty in girls and can cause reproductive disorders.

High BPA levels have been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

It comes as no surprise that these findings have generated a strong anti-BPA movement worldwide. To understand the
controversy behind BPA, let’s look at some of the events that have occurred in the last two years.

March 2007. A class action lawsuit was filed against baby bottle manufacturers on behalf of Californian babies who
may have been adversely affected by BPA.

November 2007. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati published an article in Toxicology Letters
(online edition) reporting that BPA is leaching out of the polycarbonate bottles popularly used as drinking bottles.
This report led to Nalgene plastic bottles taken off the shelves in Canada.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested infant formulas for BPA and detected BPA in some of the most
popular brands. When questioned, 4 out of the top 5 companies admitted using BPA in their packaging.

January 2008. The National Center for Environmental Health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
published a paper which reported that BPA was detected in the urine of 92.6% of 2,517 participants during the
2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHNES).

April 2008. Canada announced its plans to ban
BPA-containing bottles. The US FDA established an
agency-wide BPA task force to facilitate cross-agency
review of current research and new information on BPA for
all FDA regulated products.

May 2008. In a health call, “leaders of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce threatened to subpoena the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for records the agency used in
determining that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) was safe
for use in making infant formula liners and other products
intended for infants and children”, according to a report
in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

July 2008. The European Food Safety Authority’s AFC Panel
declared that human exposure to BPA is too low to cause any
real harm. According to the panel’s report, the human body
rapidly metabolises and eliminates BPA out of the body.
September 3, 2008

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) issued a report on
BPA, expressing the following concerns: – “some concern”
for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in
fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures
to BPA. – “minimal concern” for effects on the mammary
gland and an earlier age for puberty for females, in
fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures
to BPA. – “negligible concern” that exposure of pregnant
women to BPA will result in fetal or neonatal mortality,
birth defects, or reduced birth weight and growth in their
offspring. – “negligible concern” that exposure to BPA will
cause reproductive effects in non-occupationally exposed
adults and “minimal concern” for workers exposed to higher
levels – in occupational settings. “Some concern”
represents a midpoint in a 5-point scale of concern, with
“serious concern” as the highest and “negligible concern”
as the lowest.

September 2008. Researchers at the University of Exeter
(UK) re-examined the previously mentioned NHNES BPA urine
data. They found that high levels of BPA in the urine were
associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular
disorders, diabetes, and kidney problems. The BPA
Subcommittee of the Science Board to the US FDA met on
September 16, 2008 to discuss BPA assessment.

October 2008. Two studies reported research results in mice
exposed to BPA. One study reported that pregnant mice
exposed to BPA suffered from altered the cellular structure
of the breasts. A second study showed that female mice’s
exposure to low-dose BPA during fetal life or adulthood
caused alterations in maternal behaviour.

Researchers at University of Cincinnati report that BPA is
linked to chemotherapy resistance. The study demonstrated
that “BPA does not increase cancer cell proliferation like
DES [cancer-promoting compound called diethylstilbestrol]
does. It’s actually acting by protecting existing cancer
cells from dying in response to anti-cancer drugs, making
chemotherapy significantly less effective.”

The Canadian government announced the drafting of
regulations that will prohibit the import, sale and
advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain BPA.

Based on a review by a subcommittee, the US Food and Drug
Administration (US FDA) stated that “consumers should know
that, based on all available evidence, the present
consensus among regulatory agencies in the United States,
Canada, Europe, and Japan is that current levels of
exposure to BPA through food packaging do not pose an
immediate health risk to the general population, including
infants and babies.” In addition, the US FDA thinks the
Canadian restrictions on BPA are “out of an abundance of
caution.”

January 2009. The US FDA and Health Canada’s Health
Products and Food Branch hosted a meeting of
representatives of U.S and Canadian manufacturers and users
of food packaging materials containing BPA. They discussed
what is to be done to help minimize the levels of BPA in
food. The meeting was also part of FDA’s efforts to assist
the manufacturing industry in its voluntary BPA reduction
efforts.

So what can we do to protect ourselves from BPA?

Recommendations from PEHSU – Avoid plastics with symbol # 3
(PVC or polyvinyl), symbol # 6 (PS or polystyrene foam) and
symbol #. Do not microwave food/beverages in plastic. Do
not microwave or heat plastic cling wraps. Do not place
plastics in the dishwasher. If using hard polycarbonate
plastics (water bottles/baby bottles/sippy cups), do not
use for warm/hot liquids. Use safe alternatives such as
glass or polyethylene plastic (symbol #1). Avoid canned
foods when possible (BPA may be used in can linings). Look
for labels on products that say “phthalate-free” or
“BPA-free”.

Recommendations from the Center for Science in the Public
Interest (CSPI): Avoid plastic containers made of
polycarbonate. Any bottle or container made of
polycarbonate has the recycling No. 7 on the bottom. When
possible, prepare or store food—especially hot foods
and liquids—in glass, porcelain, or stainless steel
dishes or containers. If you have polycarbonate plastic
food containers, don’t microwave them. The plastic is more
likely to break down and release BPA when it’s repeatedly
heated to high temperatures. Don’t wash polycarbonate
plastic containers in the dishwasher. The detergent may
break down the plastic, which could release BPA. Use infant
formula bottles that are made of glass or BPA-free plastic.
BornFree (newbornfree.com) is one of many companies that
make them. When you can, replace canned foods with foods
that are fresh, frozen, or packaged in aseptic
(shelf-stable) boxes. At least one manufacturer—Eden
Foods—lines its cans with a BPA alternative made from
plant extracts. A good alternative to polycarbonate is
polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), which has the recycling
No. 1 on the bottom. Avoid older versions of Delton dental
sealant…Most dental sealants are free of BPA. However,
older Delton sealants contain a compound that breaks down
into BPA, mostly during the first day after it comes into
contact with saliva.

—————————————————-
The article BPA or Bisphenol A is Everywhere – Are We Safe?
may be found in it’s entirety with references and links on
http://HealthWorldNet.com .

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