Bob CollinsWhat we have here… is a failure to communicate.
Today, the first major study of the effect on humans of BPA — a common ingredient in plasticware and baby bottles — showed that among 1,455 U.S. adults, those with the highest levels of BPA were more likely to have heart disease, diabetes and liver-enzyme abnormalities than those with the lowest levels.
Says The Washington Post…
Dr. David O. Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany in New York, noted that he has shown that these very same diseases are associated with PCBs, dioxins and chlorinated pesticides.
“I have a strong suspicion that BPA is doing exactly the same thing,” he said. “I have been arguing that BPA should be banned for a long time just on the basis of its effect on endocrine systems. The industry reports that argue that it has no adverse effects are simply wrong,” he said.
So what are we supposed to do now? The Food and Drug Administration is sticking with its position that the plastics are safe, according to FDA official Laura Tarantino…
“We have confidence in the data that we’ve looked at and the data that we’re relying on to say that the margin of safety is adequate…”
On the other hand…
“There are things you can do if you choose to reduce your level of bisphenol A…”
Alright, then.
“… but we have not recommended that anyone change their habits or change their use of any of these products because right now we don’t have the evidence in front of us to suggest that people need to.”
I see.
Canadian health authorities have announced plans to ban some products. The U.S. National Toxicology Program has “some concern” it may harm development of the prostate and brain.
Studies have shown that BPA is in the urine of more than 90 percent of people in the United States.
