Bisphenol A (BPA) has been suspected of being hazardous to human health since the 1930s, but now many years later with more information being available we are getting some potential sound proof that it should be outlawed. Last year though, the FDA rules it was safe, so maybe a little conflict of interpretations here? I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot more coming on this issue since the opinions submitted to the FDA came from chemical makers and those with a financial stake in BPA.
“The Journal Sentinel reviewed 258 scientific studies of BPA and found that an overwhelming majority of the studies show the chemical is harmful - causing breast cancer, testicular cancer, diabetes, hyperactivity, obesity, low sperm counts, miscarriage and a host of other reproductive failures in laboratory animals.”
It has taken over 50 years for this finally to come to the attention of Congress. When you stop and think about it the use is pretty widespread and probably almost all of use have been exposed many times over, depending on what products we use as it has been used for years in the manufacturing of plastics as it is biodegradable.
Some Water Bottles Linked to Diabetes
With the information and the ability to sort and analyze today, hopefully we will be able to do the right thing. Interesting too how the chemical was originally developed as an Estrogen replacement, so maybe I have been getting estrogen supplements over the years and maybe I was not aware? BD
Leaders from the House of Representatives and the Senate on Friday announced legislation to establish a federal ban on bisphenol A in all food and beverage containers.
The bills, which Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) plan to introduce, greatly expand efforts to limit use of the chemical in products for babies and children.
The move comes a day after Sunoco, the gas and chemical company, sent word to investors that it was now refusing to sell bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, to companies for use in food and water containers for children younger than 3. Sunoco told investors it could not be certain of the compound's safety.
BPA is used in thousands of household products, including baby bottles, eyeglasses and CDs. It has been detected in nearly all Americans tested. Developed as an estrogen replacement, it is widely used to line metal cans. "This is a chemical so powerful it can cross the placenta and negatively affect the developing fetus," she said. "Retailers are getting the message; manufacturers are moving toward safer production. Scientists across the board are saying we have enough evidence of harm to act."
U.S. lawmakers move to ban BPA from food, beverage containers - JSOnline
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