An issue that I find rather scary as I have been hearing more information about it, is a toxin called bisphenol-A (BPA). This element is found in many things that we come in contact with on a daily basis. Traces of BPA can be found in paper money, sales receipts, water bottles , baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, toys, canned food (the lining inside the can is most likely to contain BPA). Studies have linked exposure to bisphenol-A in lab animals to a number of problems, from obesity to diabetes, early onset puberty, impaired immune function and even breast cancer.
Health Effects
Bisphenol-A is an hormone disrupter (endocrine) which can mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to negative health effects in animals, including humans. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Specifically, they are known to cause learning disabilities,severe attention deficit disorders, cognitive and brain development problems, deformations of the body (including limbs); sexual development problems, feminizing of males or masculine effects on females, etc. Any system in the body controlled by hormones, can be derailed by hormone disruptors.Early development appears to be the period of greatest sensitivity to its effects and some studies have linked prenatal exposure to later neurological difficulties. Regulatory bodies have determined safety levels for humans, but those safety levels are currently being questioned or under review as a result of new scientific studies. A 2011 study that investigated the number of chemicals pregnant women are exposed to in the U.S. found BPA in 96% of women.
The critical period of development for most organisms is between the transition from a fertilized egg, into a fully formed infant. As the cells begin to grow and differentiate, there are critical balances of hormones and protein changes that must occur. Therefore, a dose of disrupting chemicals such as BPA, can do substantial damage to a developing fetus (baby). Whereas, the same dose may not significantly affect adult mothers but BPA is said to encourages obesity, and thyroid problems.
A Global Effect a Global Initiative
Canada has declared BPA a "toxin", therefore they are eliminating the production of products using this chemical. Judging from many of the health issues people in our country face, the United States should do the same. Or will there be profits over people? In April 2008, Health Canada concluded that, while adverse health effects were not expected, the margin of safety was too small for formula-fed infants and proposed classifying the chemical as '"toxic' to human health and the environment."
After the release of that assessment, Canadian Health Minister
Tony Clement announced Canada's intent to ban the import, sale, and advertisement of polycarbonate baby bottles containing bisphenol-A due to safety concerns, and investigate ways to reduce BPA contamination of baby formula packaged in metal cans. While the agency concluded that human exposures were less than levels believed unsafe, the margin of safety was not high enough for formula-fed infants. Around the same time, Wal-Mart announced that it was immediately ceasing sales in all its Canadian stores of food containers, water and baby bottles, sippy cups, and pacifiers containing bisphenol-A, and that it would phase out baby bottles made with it in U.S. stores by early 2009.
I say bravo for Canada, China, Malaysia, Europe, and some of the States in the US who have banned the import and production of items using this dreadful chemical .
Who do you think would be most affected by this toxic chemical? That’s right …poor people.
Want ToRead More? I have included web sites for your convenience to check this info out for yourselves. It is evident that consumers have to take responsibility for their own safety and not leave it to chance in the hands of companies that profit from this product. Do it for yourselves, if not, then do it for your children
http://www.momknowsbest.ca/en/latest-news/c377976190/index.html
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/prenatal-exposure-bpa-affect-childrens-behavior/story?id=14793835
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44600724/ns/health-childrens_health/t/controversial-bpa-found-canned-kids-foods-report-says/
http://amomsblog.wordpress.com/2007/12/20/bpa-in-gerber-baby-food-containers/
http://www.thirdage.com/news/bpa-industrial-chemical-found-in-kids-canned-foods_09-22-2011
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/consumer-protection/plastic-safety-heat-food-6
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/4885
Thank you for your insight. Its amazing how many products would use today have these unusual chemicals in it. Do we always need these substances? How are they benefiting us?
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad but you are right, poor people are population this is affected the most. BPA is found in the poorer quality plastic material. Plastic products made by companies like Rubbermaid do not contain BPA because it is a high quality plastic. Many plastic products have a number on the bottom. The higher the number, the better quality of plastic and the less likely BPA would be found in the plastic. I am even more passionate about educating my families about products that would affect the health of their family. Thank you for the information.
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