BPA may be unsafe at current acceptable levels
A board of independent advisers to the FDA has concluded that the FDA recently erred when it stated that the use of the common chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is safe, particularly for infants.
BPA is used in packaging of infant formula, in molded plastic bottles, dinnerware and sippy cups. The current margin of safety is 5 mg/kg, but the subcommittee recommended lowering that level.
A man-made chemical, BPA is classified as an endocrine disruptor, which alters the function of the endocrine system by mimicking the role of the body’s natural hormones. It is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic, and as an additive in other widely used consumer products. The fear has been that exposure to BPA can cause birth defects and developmental problems. In addition, exposure to BPA has been blamed for a variety of other problems, including cancer, diabetes, obesity and attention-deficit disorder.
There has been a difference of opinion between researchers whether there is cause for concern over Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide. In September, the FDA issued a statement about BPA that said there was insufficient evidence to connect commonly used levels of BPA to some health issues, including those in infants. But now, a board of independent advisers to the FDA has concluded that the FDA was wrong.
Canada has banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and some scientists and consumer groups have warned for years that the chemical might contribute to some cancers, early puberty, alterations of the prostate and urinary tracts, and behavioral problems.
The board called for future, large-scale studies investigating BPA exposure and there will likely be new regulations. The FDA is currently working with manufacturing companies that use BPA in their products to develop alternatives or to figure out how to effectively lower levels of the chemical. It is not recommended that mothers stop buying infant formula and attempt to make their own BPA-free formula, as it will likely be less nutritious.
Read important facts about Bisphenol A (BPA) from Bay Area Medical Information
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I wonder what’s the situation today?