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A chemical in plastic may pose risks in small amounts that seep from bottles and food packaging, according to a new scientific report. Authors of the report, who reviewed more than 100 studies, urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to re-evaluate bisphenol A and consider restricting its use.
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a key building block in the making of hard, clear, polycarbonate plastics, including baby bottles, water bottles and other food/beverage containers. The chemical can leak from plastic, especially when containers are heated, cleaned with harsh detergents or exposed to acidic foods or drinks.
BPA has been detected in nearly all human bodies tested in the US.
Environmental Health Perspectives reported scientists as saying that, since December, 115 studies have been published examining low doses of the chemical, and 94 found harmful effects. Toxicologists say exposure to man-made hormones skews the developing reproductive systems and brains of newborn animals, and could be having the same effects on human fetuses and young children.
Although former experiments from the 1990's found no noticeable effects of BPA doses that people are exposed to, others suggest that it is estrogenic, blocks testosterone, and harms lab animals at low doses. Plastics-industry representatives say trace amounts of the chemical pose no danger and are below safety thresholds set by the EPA and other agencies. On the other hand, a reproductive biologist at University of Missouri, Columbia, said there is an "overwhelming weight of evidence" that the compound is harmful.
"This is a snowball running down a hill, where the evidence is accumulating at a faster and faster rate," one researcher said. "The chemical industry's position that this is a weak chemical has been proven totally false. This is a phenomenally potent chemical as a sex hormone."
Many people have suggested explanation for conflicting results of studies: 100% of the 11 studies funded by chemical companies found no risk, while 90% of the 104 government-funded, nonindustry studies reported harmful effects. The plastic compound, manufactured for half a century, is not subject to any bans...yet.
Polycarbonate plastics, useful in items such as baby bottles because they are durable, lightweight and shatter-resistant, cannot be made without BPA.
The Seattle Times |
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