Study Says 50 Chemicals Capable of Disrupting Hormones in US and EU Packaging
Published: 14 July 2009
Category: Bisphenol A (BPA), Packaging CONCERNS, Phthalates, Studies/State & Federal Regulations
“The Globe and Mail” reports at least 50 chemicals capable of interfering with hormones is permitted in packaging in the United States and the European Union, a recent study says. The best known of such chemicals are bisphenol A (BPA), which mimics estrogen and is used to make polycarbonate, and phthalates, which are added to plastic to make it more flexible and is able to block the production of testosterone. Some researchers are reportedly worried that these chemicals are able to leach out of packaging, with possible adverse health effects. Most tin cans reportedly have a liner made of an epoxy resin that contains BPA, and glass containers typically have lids with plastic inside them, and plastic is a liner of the Tetra Paks used for many juices.