For information on the current Swine Flu outbreak please look at the Swine Flu Fact Sheet from the Mass Department of Public Health, located in the Staying Healthy Section at the bottom of the page.
MAY 19, 2008
WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT BISPHENOL A (BPA) IN BABY BOTTLES?
Bisphenol A (or BPA as it is abbreviated) is a chemical used to make polycarbonate, a clear and rigid plastic used to make some baby bottles and sippy cups. As published in ConsumerReports.org "Health concerns about BPA relate to its ability to mimic the hormone estrogen." Medical studies have shown that exposure to toxic levels of BPA may be linked to health problems. Under certain circumstances, BPA can leach into liquids contained in these bottles. Heating the bottles, aging and degradation of the bottles and cups from repeated use and washing in hot water may increase the leaching. The exact toxic levels that are harmful and the exact link to disease in humans is not precisely known.
The FDA recently announced creation of a Task Force to look at the current research on BPA and it potential toxicity (http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bpa.html#message). "At this time, FDA is not recommending that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA while we continue our risk assessment process."
Bottles and cups made with polycarbonate have the recycle code #7 on the bottom of the container. Alternative cups and bottles without polycarbonate that can be used are glass, polyethylene (recycle code #1), high-density polyethylene (#3), low-density polyethylene (#4), or polypropylene (#5).
APRIL 3, 2008
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology has released a statement about the report from the FDA on case reports of suicidal thoughts in some patients taking Singulair. Please refer to the Weblink in the "All About Asthma" Section to the left.
JUNE 9, 2006
Yesterday the FDA approved a new vaccine from Merck, GARDASIL, which helps prevent infections from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infections have been linked to the development of cervical cancer and genital warts.
Look in the Weblinks Section below for additional information.
MARCH 11, 2006
AAP RESPONDS TO SAFETY OF ADHD MEDICATION
The American Academy of Pediatrics has posted a list of FAQs on their website. See the Weblinks section of this website to view this.
Jonathan L. Caine, MD
Dr J. Caine: Home Page
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