(NaturalNews) Our children's brains and reproductive organs may be having their development harmed by an estrogen-like chemical that is present in plastic according to a federal health agency report. BPA is an ingredient in polycarbonate plastic. BPA is also one of the most widely used synthetic chemicals today. It has been shown to seep from hard plastic beverage containers (such as baby bottles) and even from liners in cans that contain food and infant formula.
The National Toxicology Program (part of the National Institutes of Health) has concluded that there is some concern that fetuses, babies and children are being harmed because bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to harm animals at levels that are surprisingly low and found in nearly all humans.
The draft report followed an 18-month review that involved allegations of bias, disputes among scientists, and even the firing of a consulting company that had financial ties to the chemical industry.
Some scientists fear that BPA exposure early in life disrupts hormones and alters genes. This may program a fetus or child for breast or prostate cancer, may set them up for premature female puberty, and may lead to attention deficit disorders and other reproductive or neurological disorders.
This report reviewed about 500 laboratory animal experiments and concluded that there was "some concern" that fetuses, babies and children were at risk from BPA. It gave the rating "negligible" for concern for adults.
Not surprisingly, the plastics industry focused on the fact that the study found "no serious or high-level concerns." They charge that the lab animal experiments are inconclusive and flawed. They went on to state that the limited evidence for effects in laboratory animals at low doses highlights opportunities for additional research to further understand whether these findings are significant to human health.
The advisory panel initially found "minimal" concern about the effects on the prostate and puberty after ruling with the plastics industry. They disqualified many animal studies that showed adverse effects. This drew criticism from the scientists who conducted the research.
In the new report, however, the National Toxicology Program overruled its panel. They elevated their findings about human prostates and puberty to the level of "some concern." They also expressed concern about effects on human mammary glands which had not been previously addressed.
These findings reflect a significant scientific conclusion showing that BPA may play a larger role than previously thought in a variety of common health problems, including prostate cancer, breast cancer and early puberty.
Canada is expected to declare BPA a toxic substance in the very near future. This would be followed by proposals to control its use. California and other states are considering bans on BPA products.
The National Institute is the first government agency to conclude that low levels of BPA could be harming humans. Expect federal and state environmental agencies to utilize this study to develop policies governing its use. The National Toxicology Program will accept public comments on its draft report until May 23. It will then be reviewed by a new scientific panel in June.
About the authorJo Hartley
Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2
Jo is a 40 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything!
http://www.loftymatters.com
###
Related Articles
• Bisphenol A chemical commonly found in canned soup and food storage plastics
• Suspicion lingers over bisphenol A and breast cancer (press release)
• Chemical used in food containers disrupts brain development (press release)
• Estrogen Mimicry of Bisphenol-A Threatens Human and Animal Health
• Born Free baby bottles win "Best New Infant Health Product" award at Natural Products Expo West 2007
 |
Popular Topics:
BPA, chemicals, toxicology, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury |
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/023187.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
The Plan for the Food Supply
Processed Meat for Christmas
How the Cancer Industry Controls Women
|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|
Printable Version
