FDA Says BPA A-OK
By Jenn | August 19, 2008
Are you still interested in the Bisphenol-A saga? Ya’ll know I can’t get enough of it– which is why this article in the NY Times fascinates me:
Chemical Used in Plastic Bottles Is Safe, F.D.A. Says:
“Scientists at the Food and Drug Administration said the trace amounts of bisphenol A that leach out of food containers were not a threat to infants or adults. The plastic-hardening chemical is used to seal canned food and make shatterproof bottles…Based on a review of animal studies, the government working group said bisphenol could cause changes in behavior and the brain, and that it might reduce survival and birth weight in fetuses.
About 93 percent of Americans have traces of bisphenol in their urine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But the F.D.A.’s report concluded that those levels were thousands of times below what would actually be dangerous to adults or children.”
So, while acknowledging that 93% of Americans are walking BPA repositories, the FDA states this shouldn’t impact our health or well being. The fact that they relied on two industry-funded studies to form this conclusion didn’t bias their report… right?
Grist tells a different story: “More than 100 government- and university-funded studies have linked BPA to cancer, diabetes, behavioral disorders, and reproductive problems, and an April report from the National Toxicology Program declared there was “some concern” about infant exposure to the chemical. ”
As I’ve noted before, I’m trying to reduce my exposure to BPA, because I really don’t know what to believe about the issue. Back in April, Canada officially declared Bisphenol-A “dangerous”– diametrically opposed to the conclusion my own government came to.
So I guess my question is, if we’re not scientists ourselves, how do we know who and what to believe? I just trust my blink– my gut reaction– which, in this case tells me to do what I can to avoid plastic-packaged food and beverages when possible.
What’s your reaction to the FDA clearing of Bisphenol-A?
Related Posts:
- Down With BPA
- Water Bottles: How Necessary Are They?
- Mason Jars & Further Water Bottle Insanity
- Water Bottles, Again…
- Mountain Equipment Coop Stops Selling Bisphenol-A
- Reusable Water Bottle Options
[Image by Mike Licht via Creative Commons]
Topics: Health |
ugh. sick. sad. outraged. that’s my reaction.
seems like this goes in line with so many other things our govt tells us are “OK”.
wonder how big the donation was to the FDA or whatever?
booooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Totally annoyed! But more with the FDA’s blog on the subject since I anticipated that the FDA wouldn’t move from its position. The FDA panel meets 9/16 - would love to attend since comments are accepted from the panel.
Jennifer
www.thesmartmama.com
It is a really good question — without being a scientist studying the subject, how are we supposed to know? That’s why I tend to avoid things that do get a bad rap, but sometimes it would be easier not to have to. BPA is still on my avoid list though.
As a thinking, logical adult, I choose to eat and drink all my food and beverages chemical free! As a U.S. citizen, I’m surprised…confused…frustrated. How can chemicals in our food - at any level - be “safe.”
So, I guess we all just continue to take the matter into our own hands and use as little plastic as possible - and stop buying the cans that are lined with BPa. Hopefully, someone will get the message.
Thanks for following up on this story and continuing to get the word out.
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