Naturally Interesting

The National Institutes of Health, National Toxicology Program has released a report on bisphenol A (BPA, the bad stuff in some plastics).

In its new report, the National Toxicology Program, which reviewed about 500 laboratory animal experiments, concluded that there was “some concern” that fetuses, babies and children were at risk from BPA.

…It “reflects a significant body of science showing that BPA may play a larger role than previously thought in a host of common health problems, including prostate cancer, breast cancer and early puberty,” she said.

…Canada is expected soon to declare BPA a toxic substance, which would be followed by proposals to control its use. California and other states have considered but not adopted bans on BPA in products.

Apparently this guy read a different report:

Steven G. Hentges of the American Chemistry Council’s polycarbonate/BPA group said the findings “provide reassurance that consumers can continue to use products made from bisphenol A.”

 The FDA judged Bisphenol A safe based on just two studies. Who sponsored these studies? The Society of the Plastics Industry. One of the studies was never published (no peer review), and the other heavily criticized.

Ignoring hundreds of government and academic studies showing a chemical commonly found in plastic can be harmful to lab animals at low doses, the Food and Drug Administration determined the chemical was safe based on just two industry-funded studies that didn’t find harm.

Studies have shown that bisphenol A causes breast cancer, testicular cancer, diabetes and hyperactivity in laboratory animals. The chemical has been found in the urine of 93% of Americans tested.

The FDA: looking out for the health of the American people American companies.

Reported in the Milwaukie Journal Sentinel.