The Food and Drug Adminstration express concern (finally) about the use of Bisphenol A in hard plastic products and beverage and cans. What is BPA and why should we be concerned? The Agency states,
“Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been present in many hard plastic bottles and metal-based food and beverage cans since the 1960s.
Studies employing standardized toxicity tests have thus far supported the safety of current low levels of human exposure to BPA. However, on the basis of results from recent studies using novel approaches to test for subtle effects, both the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health and FDA have some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. In cooperation with the National Toxicology Program, FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research is carrying out in-depth studies to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA.”
But what about the rest of us? The chemical has been associated with the following diseases. We now have the notorious chemical associated with the following ten adverse health affects that afflict millions of Americans of all ages.
“Diabetes
Infertility
Neurological disorders
Breast cancer
Enhanced aggression in young girls
Prostate cancer
Early puberty
Obesity
Heart disease
Polycystic ovarian syndrome” [Source]
I don’t know about you but as I read this my first knee jerk reaction is to want to throw out everything that is hard plastic out of my house. Thank goodness for the above video. Jane Houlihan of Environmental Working Group discusses simple measures on how to reduce Bisphenol A in your life. Houlihan notes that young children and pregnant women are most at risk.
See here as to the steps the FDA is taking to deal with BPA in our lives.
Readers:
Do you think the FDA is doing enough?
How have you reduced your Bisphenol A exposure in your own home?
What tips do you have?
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