Warning over chemicals in baby bottles

A leading scientist is claiming there are health concerns over the safety of babies' bottles.

Professor Fred vom Saal claims a chemical used in the production of many clear plastic bottles could be linked to a growth in the number of children diagnosed with behavioural disorders.

He is calling for a ban on the chemical, Bisphenol A, claiming that studies in mice show it may be linked to a "terrifying list" of problems for children.

But leading manufacturer Avent denied the claims. Edward Atkin, Avent's managing director, said: "Avent is satisfied there is no risk of Bisphenol A leaching into the milk within a baby's bottle."

A Boots spokesman said: "We believe that there is no convincing evidence which suggests that polycarbonate products are unsafe."

Professor vom Saal, from Missouri-Columbia University in America, claims his research shows that after wear and tear the chemical starts to leak from the plastic. The problems he identified include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a decrease in sperm count and disruption of the thyroid system.