Concerns about plastics breaking down under high heat and leaching harmful chemicals into food have circulated for a few years. On April 15, 2008 the National Toxicology Program’s (NTA) Center for the Evaluation of Risk to Human Reproduction released its draft report summarizing research about exposure to bisphenol A, or BPA. This comes amidst Canadian media reports that Canada’s government is considering classifying BPA as a dangerous substance. This classification is dependant upon a research summary expected to be released later this week.
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate plastic, also known as plastic #7, is the plastic used to create many food containers, including baby bottles and water bottles. It is known to mimic the hormone estrogen and previous studies have reported findings that exposure could cause neural and behavioral changes.
Concerns
The primary concerns cited by the NTP involve fetuses, infants and children. In low level BPA exposure studies involving lab animals changers were noted in the brain, prostate gland and mammary gland. Observations also noted changes in behavior and the age females reached puberty. Although the report explains the need for more research to better understand these results, it also concludes that “the possibility that bisphenol A may alter human development cannot be dismissed.”
Secondary concerns involve fetal mortality, birth defects, reduced birth weight and growth and adult exposure. In these cases the concern is listed as negligible. Studies show some effects in lab animals only at very high levels of exposure and emphasizes that these levels are much higher than experienced by humans. Occupational settings where exposure levels are higher than average could affect fertility, but test results are currently inconclusive.
Though US government scientists say there is some concern, Canadian officials emphasize stronger caution. The executive director of Environmental Defense, Rick Smith, calls bisphenol A a health threat. Health Canada is expected to issue a report this week that will label BPA as a dangerous substance. In anticipation, come Canadian retailers are replacing polycarbonate plastic containers with BPA-free ones.
What to Do
Though BPA in the food supply is not currently considered a health threat by any government, some consumers may want to take action now. Since the highest concern surrounds developing children, address the containers used with children and infants first. Some things to keep in mind:
- Choose non-plastic containers for hot food and liquids.
- Do not microwave polycarbonate containers.
- Use non-plastic or BPA-free bottles.
References:
Draft NTP Brief on Bisphenol A
Canada Considers Federal Ban on Bisphenol A
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