Bisphenol A Exposure May Have Harmful Effects to Adult Reproductive System & Infant Development
Posted by
Jessica SmagaczJanuary 26, 2009 8:43 AMAn interesting report by the Chicago Tribune indicated that bisphenol A can harm adult reproductive systems and infant development.
Bisphenol A is a plastic additive that is found in many products from canned food tins to baby bottles. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 93% of Americans have detectable amounts of Bisphenol A in their bodies.
This poses a major problem. There is growing evidence that bisphenol A can harm adult reproductive systems and infant development.
A National Institutes of Health study found that animals exposed to bisphenol A suffered uterine damage (this can lead to fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries and cancer in females). Bisphenol A “can disrupt endocrine function and harm prostate, uterine and brain function.”
In another study completed reported by the Journal of American Medical Association, they found a tie between BPA exposure and diabetes and liver and heart disease. Bisphenol A can also make chemotherapy less effective in cancer patients.
Who is at most risk? Infants are the most at risk because their exposure to bisphenol A can be 12 times higher than adults.
Apparently, FDA was notified of this research in August and said, according to the Chicago Tribune, “No problem here.” “An FDA draft report concluded that the substance was safe at typical exposure levels for humans. That finding alarmed many scientists, and got them mobilized.”
The article was titled: ‘A False Sense of Security.” This is certainly an accurate title considering that these products are out in the market and FDA has not conducted more research to ensure consumers are safe from Bisphenol A.
In fact, Canada has banned bisphenol A from baby bottles. Additionally, many manufacturers began phasing it out of products such as thermoses and water bottles.