***The Obviously Toxic Bisphenol A

How can BPA be toxic in Canada, but safe in the US?

More and more studies conclude that BPA is toxic. Canada has declared BPA toxic. Denmark and France have restricted BPA use in numerous products. Learn more about BPA and how you can reduce exposure to this obviously toxic chemical.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a first generation derivative of benzene, a highly toxic petroleum-based chemical. Due to the overwhelming number of studies regarding BPA toxicity, last fall Canada declared BPA as toxic so their government can begin the process of banning the chemical in consumer goods. We can only hope that the studies are soon taken seriously by the US government, and a ban is enacted soon. Until then, all we can do is share the information and avoid the products to reduce our exposure to this obviously toxic plastic additive.

Over six thousand study summaries regarding BPA on the National Library of Medicine web site. Almost all of them show some sort of human malady caused by exposure to BPA.

Maternal and post-natal exposure increases the risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, hypospadias, undescended testicles, breast tissue development in males, obesity, asthma and metabolic syndrome with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol as well as low birth weight and miscarriage and reduced fertility in offspring.

After birth, the associations include all of the above, since there is no definitive proof as to when DNA damage associated with BPA exposure occurs. In addition, BPA exposure reduces sperm quality and count and may be responsible for polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriousis.

Can linings BPA is a very powerful endocrine disruptor. Exposure effects hormonal and enzymes associated with normal bodily functions. As an endocrine disruptor, BPA blocks activities, increases activity or restricts activity in normal cell function such as estrogen, androgen, insulin as well as cell programming for replication and death. Studies are currently being done to determine how much exposure is safe.

According to a study done by researchers at Silent Spring, BPA exposure can be dramatically reduced by changes in purchasing decisions regarding food packaging and storage. The following solutions will help you reduce exposure to this powerful endocrine disrupting chemical:

BPA-free plastics are now more widely available. Avoid plastics with the 7 code - these have the highest concentration of BPA. Never heat food in a microwave using plastic - always use glass. When plastics are heated, BPA leaches more easily into the food. Choose stainless steel, glass and ceramic food containers. Choose to use glass with a plastic lid, even though the code on the lid is 7 - just don't let the lid touch the food.

Choose food packaged in glass containers. Unless specifically stated on the container, expect that BPA was used in the plastic containers. Choose foods packaged in glass, or more preferably, fresh foods rather than foods packaged in cans. Unless specifically stated on the can, the resin used to line the can is made with BPA.

Resources:
New York Times: Canada Declares BPA, a Chemical in Plastics, to Be Toxic

Food Packaging and Bisphenol A and Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure: Findings from a Dietary Intervention

Study Summaries from the National Library of Medicine
Maternal nutrient supplementation counteracts bisphenol A-induced DNA hypomethylation in early development
Bisphenol A at environmentally relevant doses inhibits adiponectin release from human adipose tissue explants and adipocytes.

Bisphenol A: Perinatal exposure and body weight.
Obesogens.

Endocrine disruptors in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Search for 'bisphenol' see over 6,000 study summaries that show BPA is toxic to humans and animals.