The Howard County Health Department announced it will stop distributing items that contain certain kinds of plastic to families through the federally subsidized Women, Infants and Children program.

The decision comes in response to nationwide concerns over the safety of plastics used in products for babies.

Through WIC, the health department provides services, supplies and supplemental foods to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under the age of 5.

Howard's program serves roughly 2,900 adults and children each month.

County health officer Dr. Peter Beilenson announced May 1 that his department will provide WIC participants bottles and other products that are "BPA-free." BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical contained in the clear, rigid plastic polycarbonate, which is used in baby and children's products, such as baby bottles, "sippy cups," teethers, food and drink packaging, toys and water bottles.

The plastic may degrade over time when it's heated or washed with hot water, potentially causing leaching of the BPA chemical, according to Beilenson.

"While this chemical has not conclusively been proven to cause higher rates of early puberty, breast and prostate changes, cancer and hyperactivity as well as other potentially serious conditions, we believe we should act responsibly and err on the side of caution where the health of our county's children is concerned," Beilenson said in a statement.

Beilenson added that Howard is the first county in Maryland to enact a "BPA-free" program.

The Health Department suggests consumers use food packaging and serving containers labeled with #1, #2, #4 or #5 in the recycling triangle that's often stamped onto the bottom of the product.

The department warns against using containers marked with #3 or #7, as they contain polycarbonate plastic.

E-mail Jennifer Broadwater at jbroadwater@patuxent.com

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