A new study has found that the plastic-hardening chemical Bisphenol A—commonly known as BPA—might “impair” female reproductive cell growth and function, said the SunTimes, citing the University of Illinois (U of I). BPA is a ubiquitous estrogen-mimicking, hormone interrupting chemical that can be found in baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, canned foods, and countless other products.
According to the U of I researchers who conducted the most recent study, BPA seems to stem follicle growth in the ovaries of adult female mice, said the SunTimes. The study is also the first of its kind to find that chronic, low dose exposure to the toxin is linked to such impairment of the growth and function of “adult reproductive cells,” noted the SunTimes.
Last month we wrote that research conducted by the North Carolina State University and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), found BPA to significantly affect reproductive health at levels that are either the same or even lower that those believed not to cause adverse effects, citing Science Daily.
Despite industry’s assertions to the contrary, BPA has been linked to a wide variety of adverse effects, namely: Increased risks of brain, reproductive, cardiac, and immune system diseases and disorders; problems with liver function testing; interruptions in chemotherapy treatment; links with serious health problems based on over 200 studies which found it to have negative effects at doses lower than the FDA’s current standards; retention in the body longer than was previously believed; leeching into liquids being held in containers regardless of whether the containers are or are not heated; and longer lasting damage, which can also be passed to future generations.
BPA is banned in Connecticut, Minnesota, Chicago, and New York’s Suffolk County. Wisconsin just became the third state to introduce a bill to ban BPA-containing baby bottle and sippy cup sales for children and, earlier this month, California voted on a similar bill that is in the Assembly. Key members in the U.S. House and Senate introduced legislation for a federal ban on BPA in all food and beverage containers, and 24 states have bills in the works to restrict the toxin; Canada was the first country to announce plans to ban BPA, calling it a toxin, and newly appointed U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, said the agency is reconsidering its decision that BPA is safe at current levels, especially those levels currently found in baby bottles, a decision for which the agency has long faced fierce criticism.
Earlier last month we wrote about disturbing plans being devised by some manufacturers in whose best interest it is to continue to use and promote the BPA. The manufacturers have been trying to figure out how to stop government bans and allow BPA in the items they produce. The Washington Post was able to procure the internal notes of the private industry meeting that involved “frustrated industry executives huddled for hours” working to minimize consumer anxiety over BPA.
The Post also previously reported that the group was concerned with young mothers since that demographic is both generally in charge of household purchasing and most concerned with health issues. The team looked at marketing ideas that involved “fear tactics and finances,” said The Post, which added that the public spokesperson would be, a “pregnant young mother … willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA.”
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