The FDA has recently issued a warning about Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA. As quoted on CBS news (Early Morning Show), the FDA stated that "it now has "some concern" about the potential effects of the chemical - especially on the "brain behavior and prostate glands in fetuses, infants and young children." Also, stated on the Early Morning Show, they are now encouraging families to limit their exposure to this chemical. Finally! This is what some scientists, environmentalists, and moms have been saying for years... they have warned that this could lead to cancers, diabetes, and other diseases. Two Canadian environmentalists, Rick Smith & Bruce Lourie, are speaking out about the danger of BPA, and even experimented on themselves to see the effects of this chemical. After following a typical American diet with products known to have BPA (canned goods, using baby bottle- without the nipple, etc...), in just a couple days their blood levels of BPA was about 7 times higher. You can listen to them by googling the Diane Rehm show, and going to show aired on Jan 20, 2010. It can be very disheartening when trying to avoid this chemical, because it is found in so many things... baby bottles, canned goods, and so many other household products. There are BPA free bottles and glass bottles available for infants and some stores are now carrying BPA free water bottles (I found one at Walmart). Some encouraging news, given by Mr. Smith & Mr. Lourie, is that after following a BPA-free diet, blood levels decreased to less than average. This can be done through using bottles that have the recycling numbers numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 (located at the bottom of containers); avoid heating plastic containers, which causes higher levels of BPA to be released; avoid or at least limit canned goods. Although completely eliminating BPA from the diet may not be possible, these suggestions can help reduce your family's exposure. Even after the recent FDA statement, the American Chemistry Council, a product advocacy group, says on the Early Morning Show, that BPA is safe (suprising?). Much of this information was from Mr. Smith & Mr. Lourie on the Diane Rehm show, but in doing your own research there is lots of information out there confirming their findings. They also said that these industries have other options, there are safer products available for them to use. I would encourage everyone to do their own research!
-D. Jackson
-D. Jackson
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as they soul prospereth (3 John 2).
