Daily Loaf

We’ve all heard about the “bad” plastics- those that contain carcinogens, toxins, and BPA (Bisphenol-A). But did you know that exposure to the BPA in the “bad” plastics has been linked to aggressiveness in children, as well as other diseases in humans?

A first-of-its-kind study done by the University of North Carolina linked behavioral problems in children from women that were exposed to BPA during pregnancy.

The study measured levels of BPA in urine samples at three different stages of pregnancy- the first at 16 weeks, then at 26 weeks and finally at birth. The results showed that the women who had the highest levels of BPA in their systems at the earliest stages of pregnancy had daughters who were more aggressive and hyperactive. To the scientists’ surprise, girls seemed to be the most affected while boys didn’t have a big difference in aggression but instead became more anxious and depressed. The greatest effects caused seem to be those of the earliest exposures. Most women can be affected even before they know they are pregnant, which can later cause even greater problems for their unborn children. Last year Canada became the first country to ban BPA in baby bottles and Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us have announced they will stock only BPA-free bottles.

A previous study done by Harvard University revealed a link between BPA and cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans. It has also been shown to affect fetal development, sperm production, cause malfunctioning hormones and early sexual development. Animals exposed to BPA produced young that had low sperm count.

Some have the misconception that these plastics leach BPA only if heated, but that is not the case. The aforementioned studies performed required test subjects to use plastic polycarbonate bottles that were not to be heated, run through the dishwasher, or filled with hot liquids. After drinking from these types of bottles for only one week, subjects showed a 69 percent increase in BPA in their urine.

What can you do to prevent exposure to this chemical? First, get rid of (recycle) all of your plastic bottles and containers that bear the #3, #6, and especially the #7 (polycarbonate) plastic symbols. Start using aluminum bottles and those labeled “BPA-free”, as well as ceramic and glass.

Posted in Green Community, Green Living | Leave a comment