Chemical in Plastic Bottles Poses Many Health Risks
Posted on: Wednesday, 16 April 2008, 00:50 CDT
A preliminary government study showed that chemicals often used in some plastic food and drink containers may pose several health risks.
The report, based on laboratory tests conducted by the National Toxicology Program, found that rats that were injected with small amounts of bisphenol A showed signs of precancerous tumors, urinary tract problems and early puberty.
“There is some concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants and children at current human exposures." The findings expressed concern about exposure in these populations, "based on effects in the prostate gland, mammary gland, and an earlier age for puberty in females," the National Toxicology Program reported.
More than 90 percent of Americans are exposed to trace amounts of bisphenol, according to the CDC. It can be found in household items such as food and drink packaging,compact discs, and some medical devices. Manufacturers of bisphenol include Dow Chemical Co. and BASF Group.
The American Chemistry Council, which represents manufacturers, said the report "affirms that there are no serious or high level concerns for adverse effects of bisphenol on human reproduction and development," adding that it supports additional research to link the adverse reactions found in animals to human health risks.
However, Rep. John Dingell, a Michigan Democrat and chairman of the House of Rep resentatives Energy and Commerce Committee said he hopes that the new findings will cause the FDA to take necessary steps to prevent future harm.
"I hope the FDA is willing to reconsider their position on BPA for the safety of our infants and children," he said.
Environmental activists have long been wary of the health concerns caused by BPA, but representatives of manufacturers claim that the results are still preliminary, and shouldn’t be a cause for much concern at this point.
The National Toxicology Program expressed "negligible concern" that exposure of pregnant women to BPA causes fetal or neonatal death, birth defects or reduced birth weight and growth in babies. It also had "negligible concern" that exposure causes reproductive problems in adults.
The Globe and Mail, a newspaper in Canada, reported that the Canadian health ministry was set to declare BPA a dangerous substance as soon as Wednesday. If it makes that declaration, it will become the first regulatory body to do so.
Lawmakers in New Jersey passed a bill than would ban the use of products containing BPA.
A spokeswoman for the International Formula Council, which represents baby food makers, said Tuesday "the overwhelming scientific evidence supports the safety" of bisphenol, adding that no foreign governments have restricted or banned its use.
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Source: redOrbit staff and wire reports
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