Plastic Reportedly Comes with a Price
Published: 24 April 2008
Category: Bisphenol A (BPA), Cancer, Packaging CONCERNS, Phthalates, Reproductive/Hormonal Changes, Studies/State & Federal Regulations
The “Washington Post” reports using plastic for convenience may come with a price. Many scientists and environmental advocates now believe man-made components in plastics — particularly a group of compounds called phthalates and another hormonally active chemical known as bisphenol A, or BPA — can leach harmful chemicals that get absorbed into our bodies. Some scientists reportedly blame the material for increased rates of cancer, asthma, neurological disorders and infertility. These fears are compounded by two recent events: First, a draft report by the National Toxicology Program that acknowledged for the first time “some concern” that BPA may affect neural and behavioral development “in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures;” Health Canada also designated BPA as a “dangerous substance,” moving Canada a step closer to limiting the chemical’s use.