BPA is present in some baby products, including baby bottles and some infant formula containers. A number of studies have raised concerns about potential health effects on children who may be exposed to BPA. These effects include but are not limited to: changes in the infant's developing nervous system; changes in behavioral development, such as hyperactivity; and changes in the normal development of the prostate gland.

BPA is found in transparent (clear or colored) plastic containers or baby bottles with the recycling number 7 and the letters PC, which stand for "polycarbonate" plastic on the bottles.  Some liquid canned baby formulas are sold in containers that have BPA, although powdered formula containers do not have any BPA.

The advisory specifically recommends that parents of children up to two years old avoid the use of products that contain BPA for making or storing infant formula and breast milk. DPH is further advising pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid products that may contain BPA.

Further information can be found at the DPH website at: BPA Advisory.

Many communities on the South Shore do not provide a town water source, and most of the families that live in those towns rely on wells for their drinking water. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 15-20% of all homes in the US use well water. These wells can become contaminated by pollutants or microorganisms and cause illness. Although the EPA and the state offer guidance for construction, maintenance, and testing of private wells, there is little regulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual testing of all private wells for bacteria, nitrates, iron, manganese, sulfate, hardness, and total dissolved solids. There are a number of other chemical components that the State of Massachusetts recommends testing every ten years. More information about testing well water including recommended tests and approved laboratories can be found here: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/privatew.htm.