Concerns About BPA And Reducing The Risks

Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is a chemical used to manufacture hard plastic containers, such as baby bottles, reusable plastic cups, and the lining of metal food and beverage cans, including canned liquid infant formula.

Consumer tips to avoid BPA exposure can be found at the website of the Environmental Working Group.

Bisphenol A is made by the condensation of acetone, with two parts of phenol – (CH3)2CO + 2 C6H5OH → (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2 + H2O. The plastic monomer and plasticizer Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide.

Bisphenol A  has been used to make plastic for more than 50 years. Its most common form is used in polycarbonate plastics, which include: baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, dental fillings and sealants, eyeglass lenses, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics.

Epoxy resins containing Bisphenol A are used as coatings on the inside of almost all food and beverage cans. Unfortunately, high levels have been discovered in soup cans and canned green beans; even brand names like Campbell Soup and Progresso. Soup is healthy? More from Consumer Reports.

And if carcinogens in your soup wasn’t enough, think about that municipal, plastic water storage tank in your friendly community. That beautiful water tank on the hill may be leaching BPA. It’s hard to reduce your exposure – Enviroblog.

However, now in Japan, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, or PET film is used instead of BPA. And yes, urine samples have indicated that lower levels of BPA has been a direct result of the change. Americans should take notice. More here from U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, to reduce the risks from BPA.

When observing recyclable plastic containers, the numbers 7 and 3 are the ones that may contain BPA, and are considered the most harmful. The number 7 appears to be the worst one. The other numbers more than likely do not contain any BPA.

Frederick vom Saal, professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri, has studied the topic, and he says that even low doses of BPA are very harmful to humans.

In an interview with Frontline, vom Saal suggested that manmade chemicals, including plastics, have caused damage in humans.

There is a comprehensive document containing all BPA references at the author’s website: Frederick vom Saal

THE Association of Plastics Manufacturer’s (APM) attempt to discredit scientific findings that threaten corporate products by invoking the concept of ‘sound science’ has failed in the past. The ‘sound science’ programme was a central part of the now discredited campaign by the tobacco industry to convince the public
that secondhand smoke was safe. And research by independent scientists showing that secondhand smoke was a human health hazard was attacked as not being ‘sound science’ to block attempts to ban smoking in public places. Analysis of tobacco industry documents made public through litigation reveals that individuals and groups involved in the tobacco industry disinformation campaign are now involved in the campaign to promote chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) as safe.

Decide for yourself – Bisphenol A, Food Containers, Effects on Humans, Gov’t Regs (video).