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Study and Controversy Remain over Plastic Safety

By Bonnie Jean, Health Reporter

All of us carry at least some amount of bisphenol A in our bodies, a consequence of being exposed to a variety of plastics throughout our lifetimes.1 How much creates a health risk is still being debated amongst scientists and environmentalists alike. Otherwise known as BPA (a component of polycarbonate - a tough plastic), this component can leach from many common products we use everyday, i.e., large water coolers, sports drink bottles, baby bottles, and water bottles, which ironically, more people are drinking today, to be healthier than ever before.

A scientific panel of advisors comprised in 2005 appointed by a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has concluded that the leaching of BPA could pose some very real, very serious health risks.2 At enormous risk are pregnant women, fetuses, infants and children, where even small amounts were shown to cause changes in neurological growth and behavorial problems such as hyperactivity , ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disorders . Animal studies have linked serious alterations to brain development caused by the estrogen-like chemicals of BPA, causing pre cancerous changes in the mammary glands and damaging the uterus. BPA was also shown to affect the female reproductive system in other dire manifestations including; fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries and cancers. In the U.S. and Japan researchers have detected BPA in fetal amniotic fluid and umbilical cords of newborns.

Other studies have found links to prostate and breast cancer , yet other non-industry funded studies have reported no significant affects of low doses of BPA. In Europe, the European Union has banned a chemically related substance called phthalates from children's products. Despite the conclusiveness of the research, no government agency in the U.S. or abroad has yet to place any restrictions on the use of BPA. Global production of BPA is more than 6 billion pounds per year, and since 1980, U.S. production of BPA has increased nearly five times! Hence, the economic issues alone would be huge. Until the controversy abates, it would be wise to limit your exposure, not easily done since BPA is found in so many household products alone, but here are a few steps you can take to reduce your contact.

• Don't use plastic cling wrap, use waxed paper or paper towels.

• Don't use plastic containers in microwaves. Use glass or ceramic.

• Use non- polycarbonate plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Most major plastic consumer goods manufacturers now offer non-polycarbonate alternatives for drinking bottles, microwave bowls, and plastic liners.

• You can check for BPA in the plastics you buy by looking for the # 7 stamped on the surface.

• Cut down on canned foods. To keep food from reacting with the metal of the can, a plastic coating made from bisphenol A is commonly applied to the inside of the can. This coating appears as a solid color on the inside of the can, and can leach into the food stored inside.

• Avoid eating or drinking from polycarbonate plastics – used in such products as hard plastic baby bottles, 5 gallon water cooler bottles, hard plastic water bottles, plastic silverware, and Lexan products. You can check for the type of plastic on the bottom of the bottle – polycarbonate bottles may be labeled with recycling number 7 ("Other" type of plastic) or may contain the letters "PC" below the recycling symbol. Bisphenol A may leach out of these types of bottles into your beverage or food. Alternatives include bottles and other materials made from glass, stainless steel, or polypropylene bottles labeled number 5 on the bottom (translucent, not transparent).

ewg.org - Protect yourselffrom harmful hormone-disrupting chemicals

More Bisphenol A Information

BisphenolaFree.org

HealthObservatory.org- Smart Plastics Guide

Partnersforchildren.org

Bisphenol A References

1. Large Effects From Small Exposures - Effects of Bisphenol A on Human Exposure

2. Low-Dose Effects of Bisphenol A Shows the Need for a New Risk Assessment

What is Bisphenol-A (BPA)?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and several types of resins. Polycarbonate plastics are widely used in a variety of products including food and drink containers, CDs, DVDs, electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports safety equipment. Resins are used as a protective lining in metal food and drink containers and water supply pipes. In vitro and animal data indicate that BPA may mimic the natural female sex hormone, estradiol. Exposure to the general population can occur through direct contact to BPA or by exposure to food or drink that has been in contact with material containing Bispenol-A.

Bisphenol-A Resources

A Survey of Bisphenol-A in U.S. Canned Foods - http://www.ewg.org

Environmental Protection Agency's Bisphenol-Ahealth assessment - http://www.epa.gov

The European Food Safety Authority publishes opinion on bisphenol A - http://www.food.gov.uk