BPA Linked to Impotence

Jeff — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:01:46 +0000

According to a recent study conducted in China, male workers who were exposed to high levels of the dangerous chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), experienced sexual dysfunction and decreased libido. The levels these workers were exposed to was reportedly 50 times higher than “typical” American men (whatever that means). BPA can be found in everything from plastic bottles to metal food cans to baby bottles. So although our levels may not compare to the Chinese men in the study, BPA is actually quite ubiquitous. Chemical industry spokespeople claimed there’s nothing to worry about, even in the face of compelling evidence and money from the U.S. government to fund new research. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” type of guy. Knowing the lack of interest companies have in our overall well-being, I’m not willing to take that chance. Are you?

BPA-Containing Baby Bottles Banned in Chi-town

BPA-Containing Baby Bottles Banned in Chi-town

Jeff — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:58:10 +0000

According to NYTimes.com, Chicago has become the first U.S. city to outlaw baby bottles and sippy cups that contain bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been linked to diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and liver disease ⁽¹⁾. This toxic chemical is used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics (e.g. – bottles, containers), and can be leached into the liquid inside the bottle, especially when heated. The FDA is aware of this, but continues to declare BPA as safe. Big surprise, huh?

I first read about BPA a couple of years ago, right around the time my daughter was born. So needless to say, my wife and I made the easy decision to purchase all BPA-free bottles. Our daughter was breastfed, so it was important for us to keep her milk as pure as possible since it needed to be heated sometimes.

BPA isn’t exclusive to baby bottles and cups. It exists in virtually all plastic containers, which is why I use my own bottle (glass or Sigg) to transport my water. And I’d recommend that you do the same. Because we are constantly bombarded with dangerous toxins daily in our food, air, cosmetics, building materials, it’s imperative that we limit our exposure whenever possible. The American Chemical Council as well as other industry groups continue to deny that this problem exists, but it’s painfully obvious that their loyalties lie with manufacturers, not consumer health. However, science supports the adverse health affects of BPA and it’s good to see that local governments and municipalities aren’t waiting for the sluggish and bureaucratic FDA to ban BPA nationwide.

According to a recent evaluation by the National Institutes of Health ⁽²⁾, to reduce yours and your infants exposure:

Don’t microwave plastic bottles and containers as BPA can break down and leach into the contents
Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom
Reduce your use of canned foods (the resin on the inside of the can containers BPA)
Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, especially for hot food or liquids
Use baby bottles that are BPA free

You can be proactive about your health and not have to wait for any governing body to govern what goes into your body. So, make a conscious decision for you and your family to limit your toxic exposure. Saying ‘No’ to BPA is a good start.

References:

⁽¹⁾ http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/300.11.1353

⁽²⁾ http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm