Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Toxic chemical in baby bottles and tinned food

Here we go again.... More reasons why bisphenol A (BPA) should be banned from products on Australian shelves.

Despite inaction by our regulatory authority, some major Australian retailers are voluntarily phasing this type of plastic baby bottle from the shelves - thats great. However its presence in food tins is not even considered. The manufacturers tell you BPA has been used as an epoxy resin lining our food tins for 50 years... thats interesting because in that time men's sperm count has declined by 50%, the age of puberty has dramatically declined, breast cancer has almost doubled and obesity has become an epidemic!

Here's some food for thought...

A toxic chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA) found in plastic baby bottles have been banned in Canada, France and Denmark and are soon to be banned in most states throughout the USA. Disturbingly, this chemical has also been found in the majority of our food and beverage cans according to an investigation by the Consumers Union (2009) and more recently by Choice (2010). Even cans that were certified ‘organic’ contained BPA in their tin linings.

According to the Consumers Union (2009), BPA is linked with a heightened risk of
* breast and prostate cancer
* heart disease
* diabetes
* obesity
* early puberty
* reproductive delays with boys being particularly susceptible

In 1998, Japanese manufacturers were the first to voluntary restrict this chemical from canned food, using a PET film lamination instead. In July, Denmark made it illegal to sell infant feeding bottles, feeding cups and packaging for baby food containing BPA.

It is concerning that there is sufficient evidence to prove this chemical is not safe for infants, and yet our authorities fail to act until there is ‘conclusive’ proof. Consumers have a right to be aware of the risks and to know what safer options are available. Spread the word.

About Nicole Bijlsma

I am a building biologist which in short means I conduct audits of people’s homes to see if they are affecting their health. Previously I worked for 15 years as a naturopath and acupuncturist and lectured extensively at various institutions before realising the extent to which the home was causing illness in many of my patients. I am the founder of the Australian College of Environmental Studies and author of Healthy Home Healthy Family. In my blog, we’ll explore issues relating to hazards in the home.

View my Story: www.buildingbiology.com.au

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