One chemical under scrutiny by Health Canada is bisphenol-A (BPA), a substance used to make polycarbonate plastics -- tough, high-performance plastic material found in the lining of tin cans and used to create reusable, high-performance plastic containers.
Ingesting BPA is a concern because this chemical is classified as an endocrine disruptor -- a substance that interferes with the body's natural hormone system. BPA has estrogenic properties and will bind to the body's estrogen receptors. In short, our bodies think this chemical is the natural hormone and will use it to regulate our entire endocrine system. According to the World Health Organization, endocrine disruptors are linked to decreased sperm quality, early puberty, neurobehavioral problems and cancer.
Of particular concern is this chemical in baby bottles. Infants are more at risk from this chemical. Studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as: permanent changes to genital tract; increase prostate weight; decline in testosterone; breast cells predisposed to cancer; prostate cells more sensitive to hormones and cancer; and hyperactivity. Environmental Defence Canada said that, based on its findings, parents should avoid polycarbonate plastic and shift to alternatives, such as glass bottles and plastics labelled BPA free.
Teenagers may carry the highest levels of bisphenol A – about 30 per cent more than the rest of the population, according to the first national survey about the compound conducted by Statistics Canada, but exposure to the estrogen-mimicking chemical is widespread, with detectible levels in 91 per cent of Canadians. It has also been found in the urine of 95% of Americans tested. Food is considered the major source of BPA. Teenagers had the highest average amounts, possibly because they eat more food relative to their body size or have metabolic differences.
Statistics Canada said its data, based on urine samples collected from more than 5,400 people aged 6 to 79, suggest there is “continual widespread exposure in the Canadian population” to BPA. The Statscan sampling is the largest such effort done to date in the world.
Canada was the first country in the world to take action on bisphenol A by proposing a series of actions to reduce BPA exposure to newborns and infants, including a prohibition on the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles containing BPA.
Here are some ways you could reduce your exposure BPA:
- Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures.
Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom
Reduce your use of canned foods.
When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
Use glass baby bottles or baby bottles that are BPA free.
By Tanya Kunwar
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