More Bad News on BPA
September 21, 2008
Appearing in the Chicago Tribune on 17 September, was an alarming article about the discovery of further detrimental affects of BPA in humans.
A just released study has linked exposure to
BPA with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes
and liver-enzyme abnormalities in adults.
Researchers said the study, in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical
Association, offered the first scientific evidence that adults
with higher levels of BPA in their bodies were
more likely to develop such diseases. This month the US National
Toxicology Program reported the chemical may affect the development
of the brains and prostate glands of fetuses and young
children.
The researchers found that people in the group with the highest
concentration of BPA had almost three times the
odds of cardiovascular disease as did those in the lowest quartile,
even when factors such as race, income and education levels were
accounted for. That group had a 2.4 times higher risk of
diabetes.
Higher BPA levels also were associated with
clinically abnormal concentrations of three liver enzymes. Although
previous research in animals had linked BPA to
diabetes and liver damage, the new finding on human heart
disease was unexpected, and worrying.
Dr. Anila Jacob, senior scientist for the Environmental Working
Group, a Washington-based research and public health watchdog
organization, said the study suggested BPA might
play a more significant part in chronic diseases than had been
thought. Some scientists are urging the FDA to declare the chemical
toxic and ban it from products that come into contact with food and
drinks.
"We have always been concerned about infants and children because
we know they have higher exposures compared to adults and we also
know they are more vulnerable because their brains are developing
and their organ systems are maturing," Jacob said. "But we believe
there is reason for concern for everyone."
For the full Chicago Tribune report, click here. Check out our BPA free products, Milk & Tickles, Adiri and Boon.
