“TIME” reports on “The Perils of Plastic”
Published: 6 April 2010
Category: Bisphenol A (BPA), Packaging CONCERNS, Phthalates, Studies/State & Federal Regulations
“TIME” magazine reports since World War II, production of industrial chemicals has risen rapidly, and the U.S. generates or imports some 42 billion pounds of them per day, leaving Americans awash in a sea of synthetics. Chemicals are leaching out of everyday products into the environment — and ultimately into living organisms. Scientists are discovering that even tiny quantities of toxins can have a potentially serious impact on our health — and our children’s future. For example, chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates — key ingredients in modern plastics — may disrupt the delicate endocrine system, leading to developmental problems. Although regulations protecting people from these chemicals are not yet up to speed, the Obama Administration is taking a closer look at chemicals, with the EPA late last month launching a new investigation into BPA.