Would You Vote To Ban Bisphenol A Found In Plastic That Is Hazardous To Health?

Some Aluminum Bottles Release More BPA Than Plastic

I never felt really secure using metal to store water, except on the occasion of the old-fashioned THERMOS that is glass-lined. There were good reasons to do so. We learn that some aluminum water bottles can actually leach more of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) than plastic containers, which is the type of bottle people usually associate with the hormone disrupting substance. Learn more at the link above.

Thank you Bill Moyers for exposing this toxic chemical that we are feeding to infants, children and teens in formative developmental years. How we affect the health of our children and the consequences to reproductive health and the potential of this carcinogenic agent Bis-Phenol A found in clear, hard plastics [water bottles, baby bottles, soda can liners] will be discovered decades from now. For the sake of convenience our children have become guinea pigs in a far reaching chemical experiment. Visit the PBS archives to see the complete show and more of Bill Moyers. http://www.pbs.org/moyers

Lest we forget or become lax in our rights as individuals to use our pocketbooks to vote. This list provides more resource material to sink your teeth into.

• Mercola informs us about the link between Bisphenol A in our cans and heart disease risk. We can measure the level in our urine output. Now we can definitively do more studies to confirm the link and force manufacturers to stop using this chemical in our food containers.

• Wikipedia | As you know volunteers keep the information updated on wikipedia. This mishmash of a page needs more organization. I was searching for the records for which US States have taken action and banned the use of the chemical. Many states have acknowledged that babies and toddles should not be exposed in their bottles and sippy cups, but what about the rest of us; and why such a small percentage of states have addressed this health issue? Currently 11 states have banned BPA from baby bottles and children's sippy cups.

• Food Production daily News | This summary an editorial statement of what I read on this copyrighted page of news. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) told Congress that BPA in any food contact material was safe. They told federal authorities that BPA was no longer used in manufacturing containers. HELLO! They started running scared when California, Canada, the European Union, China and Malaysia all banned its use in baby bottles.

• They tried to reason to legislators that all these actions and statements confused consumers and made them have to think, become educated and self determined in discerning what products were safe to purchase, rather than simply accepting the status quo and the word of the manufacturers.

• France and Denmark | It amazes me that whole nations have taken action to protect their people, while the United States of America pushes it to a far off future date when perhaps everyone has diabetes, cancer or has lost the ability to speak up.

• The Daily Green | This paper has about 7 -10 articles related to the bisphenol-A matter. Every time we read that momentum is building, another year passes and a small step has been taken. Minnesota and Connecticut became the first states and Chicago the first city to ban its use in children's products. Will Wisconsin and the rest of the country pay attention and follow suit? If cities and local towns have the ability to ban its sale or production, that means that individuals and groups of people can team up and form coalitions. Do it!

• Website Line One | I encourage you to visit "Bisphenol A an introduction to hormone disrupting compounds" to learn the chemical formula, the history, the health concerns, and the relationship to the endocrine system. Find out what issues are at stake, policy responses and how to take action? The entire website written by Dr A. Michael Warhurst, an Environmental Chemist who works for Friends of the Earth in London, UK put this website together decades ago. He has a degree in Biochemistry, a PhD in the microbial breakdown of styrene and an MSc in Environmental Chemistry

• The Daily Green | Remember this paper? Learn how to avoid Bisphenol A in your life. They provide a list of items, which helps you to make better decisions when shopping for toys, furniture, tools, things to go in your kitchen and everywhere else. Although they gently say that we suspect the chemical mimics human hormones, we actually confirm that these chemical DO mimic hormones and disrupt proper function. Studies have linked exposure to bisphenol A in lab animals to a number of problems like obesity, early onset puberty, impaired immune function, breast cancer. prostate cancer, birth defects, miscarriages, and insulin resistance leading to Type II diabetes. As an alternative, look for stainless steel bottles that are not lined with a plastic coating.

• Foods in #7 plastic containers and the majority of canned foods are exposed to this toxic chemical. Even at low doses this bisphenol-A plastic and resin ingredient that lines metal food and drink cans and make plastics can be found in everywhere in our environment.

• Tow Town Environmental Toxic Chemicals | One of the finest pages for learning about Bisphenol A (BPA) and many other environmental chemical toxins. We know this plastic can be found in both lightweight and hard plastics. More than a billion pounds of BPA are produced in the United States every year. At home, you and your family can be exposed to BPA if you use plastic food containers, canned foods, water or baby bottles, plastic dinnerware, reusable cups, and other consumer products that are made with BPA. Learn the signs of toxicity at home, in the workplace or any environment on this page. The best interactive website to learn more.

• Mindfully Dot Org | Every website states the obvious and introductory facts to define this chemical but goes on to highlight the specific effects upon male hormones and the growth of a type of prostate cancer cells, potentially affecting the treatment efficacy for a subset of prostate cancers. No wonder the rate of prostate cancer has been increasing when we learn that all the materials in our environment composed in some part with this toxic chemical touches us, our soil, our water that we drink and our food. If you or a loved one is sensitive then you may be affected either sooner or later. In the US almost 220,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

• Mindfully dot org | I would like to applaud and give credit to so many conscientious individuals, chemists, environmentalists and scientists who have provided this information. Paul Goettlich teaches us the alternatives with the page "so you will need to get plastics out of your diet."

The bisphenol A in plastic made from a sex hormone changes the reproductive systems of living organisms, cause brain damage, prostate and breast cancer. This estrogen-like drug is unstable even at very low levels and can alter the way your cells function even at extremely low levels. Check out the research studies with breast cancer cells.

What exactly is bisphenol A?

It was first made in 1891, and was investigated for use as a replacement for estrogen and to promote health pregnancies. Used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, we find it on store shelves. Look out for the recycling number #7 at the bottom of the bottle.

Do Not Microwave Period.

They recommend not to microwave with saran covering or in plastic containers.

Where Can You Find Bisphenol A?

• Common Metal Coatings Liners of food cans (6 billion pounds a year) and also inside of water pipes.
  
  "Low levels of BPA exposure has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including abnormal development of reproductive organs, behavior problems in children, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic changes that result in altered insulin levels, which leads to diabetes" says Sarah Janssen, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council. This accounts for 90% of the bisphenol A in our bodies.
• Dental Fillings
• Baby Bottles The hard plastic ones.
• Water Coolers and Bottles
• Tableware and Food Storage Containers
• Medical Devices
• Consumer Items Sunglasses CDs and DVDs Electronic equipment Automobile parts Sports equipment
• Construction Glazing and “Bulletproof Glass” When dealing with breakdown products that can leach out of materials, your best bet is to try to stay clear of items that are worn and old, especially if they have scratches. Also, heating up plastics can increase the likelihood of BPA and other compounds coming out.

The Tipping Point

I often look for the tipping point in different areas of our individual lives, but more interestingly I'd love to learn what turns organizations, industry, business and government around when they have instituted a habit or method that has previously worked. When do they say, "Stop!" the time has come to view this issue in a new light, "Let's change course."

Is It Unanimous?

Who can tell us what happens behind closed doors in a community round table, when black suits congregate around a conference table, or when communicators discuss in a teleconference an important issue with life changing consequences? What sparks them to hear a different message that sways their opinion? Does it take a unanimous vote or will the one or few decanting votes take back seat to advisors or innovative information. When will the body of information about a potential hazard or concern about theta health to people and environment take precedent over the monetary interests?

The Cost

Certainly in the long run the cost to care for sick people will weigh down the society, not only won't these individuals be productive, but the medical investment in hospitalization, home care, medications and procedures have not be calculated.

Long Term Dangers

Even though we have known the dangers of bisphenol A [BPA] leaking from plastic utensils and containers when microwaved, and the dispersion of bisphenol A into the drinks and water of typical plastic bottles, baby bottles and bottles of stored in freezers, the United States still holds back on taking action.

Canada Takes The Lead

Canadian studies indicate that BPAs abound and accumulate in the body which, in turn, effects the reproduction systems of animals. Humans can also be affected. Thus, Canada took a major step by declaring BPA a health hazard.

Concern For Our Children The Next Generation

Someone is finally looking out for the children who come in contact daily with baby bottles, sippy cups, and plastic toys.

Comparison Of Two Countries

The most startling information disclosed shows that Americans have TWICE as much BPA levels in their bodies as Canadians. So, what is taking the U.S. FDA and EPA to make a statement and take action to eliminate this toxin to human health?

• Becky asks, "Are There Safe Plastics?" and provides a check list of plastics for you to examine.

• Health Hazards of Using Non-Stick or Teflon Cookware We're not done yet. Steve teaches us about the toxic fumes from Teflon kitchenware products. Make safer choices for cooking your foods.

• Plastic Pollution - A Cancer in Nature Manufacturers use plastics around the world because its cheap, easy to produce and will last forever. Read some staggering figures and refresh your basic knowledge. Plastics do not decompose and will last forever to leak into the environment. According to latest studies, world-wide production of plastic reaches up to 105 million tons. The use of plastic in western and European countries is averaging 70 kg per person per year.

• Just look at all the trash I created writing this Hubpages. Count up the cans and bottles. I'll have to switch to recyclable glass on the next Hub.

About the Author

Debby Bruck, CHOM believes that homeopathy is the wave of the future that provides hope and healing to those who have tried every other approach. Follow Debby on Twitter.

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