UAE authorities is expected to ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like chemical, in the manufacture of polycarbonate infant feeding bottles, reports Al Khaleej.

This follows a decision by the European Union to restrict companies from manufacturing polycarbonate infant feeding bottles with BPA.

When plastic feeding bottle is heated, it releases the harmful chemical substance as well as other substances such as cyclohexene derivative, which is harmful for babies and human beings in general.

BPA exists in a wide variety of consumer products, including shopping receipts and canned food, and has been the target of increased scrutiny all over the world.

A growing number of consumers are concerned about the potential effects of BPA exposure on the brain, behaviour, prostate gland, and also in fetuses, infants, and children.

In October, Canada became the first country in the world to classify Bisphenol-A as a toxic substance, despite industry opposition. Australia has enacted a similar ban.