Warning On BPA Found In Plastics
Scientists are warning that a estrogen-like compound found in everyday plasticwares could cause serious reproductive disorders.
The compound in question is bisphenol A (BPA), one of the highest-volume compounds in the world and has found its way into our bodies. BPA is widely used to make all polycarbonate plastic baby and water bottles, as well as other hard plastic items, including large water-cooler containers, sports bottles and microwave-oven dishes, canned-food liners and some dental sealants for children.
An expert group of researchers from around the world studying BPA issued a “consensus statement” published online by the journal Reproductive Toxicology, based on the evidence from more than 700 studies. The statement was accompanied by a new study by researchers from the National Institutes of Health finding uterine damage in newborn animals exposed to BPA. That damage could indicate a risk in reproductive diseases in women, including fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries and cancers.
In earlier animal studies, BPA has been linked to female reproductive-tract disorders, although earlier studies have found early-stage prostate and breast cancer and decreased sperm counts in animals exposed to low doses.
Though there are currently no human studies, past animal studies revealed that low doses of BPA was associated with hormonally-influenced prostate and breast cancers and decreased sperm count.
Source: ” New warning about chemical in plastic” Telegraph, 3 August 2007; “Chemical in plastic prompts scientists’ warning” Los Angeles Times 3 August 2007
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I think I need to be more careful about the foods we store in plastic containers…makes one thing about what one’s using on a daily basis! Thanks for the info! ((Hugs))