BPA or Bisphenol A has long been a controversial chemical found in some plastics, mostly those found with the recycling symbol #7. Some studies show the dangers of this chemical which is commonly used in baby products, specifically baby bottles. A new study released recently has stirred up the controversy again but this time prompting major reactions.

Canada has approved a ban on the use of BPA in baby products prompting reactions from both manufacturers and retailers alike. Wal-Mart Canada immediately began pulling the BPA products from their shelves. They will also remove the products from their US stores by year end. Babies R Us is also pulling the products from their shelves.

Looking at the RelevantNoise system there was a dramatic increase, well over 200%, in the number of BPA related posts since the announcement from Canada. 65% of the posts are from women, with the majority being between the ages of 20-39.

Bloggers, most of them Moms are outraged and panicked about BPA in their babies products and are looking for alternatives if they haven’t already switched. Playtex actually proactively reacted to this latest uproar by offering a sample of their Drop In bottles which are BPA free. Many are just looking for information on which products are safe. Others just want to find information on BPA. And yet others are posting information on what they have found to help spread the word.

Gerber baby food that comes in plastic containers marked with the #7 are controversial among moms with some deciding to choose another brand packaged in glass to be sure they are not packaged with BPA.

And then there are those, few as they may be, that think the panic is premature and unfounded .

Im sure this controversy will be around for a while, however this time companies are reacting to public pressure. Even if BPA is found to be completely safe, the damage is done. I expect all bottle makers will eventually have BPA free alternatives if they want to stay in business.