Every day in the industrialized world, we ingest small amounts of Bisphenol A, better known as BPA. One of the most widely used synthetic chemicals in industry, BPA can be found in everything from water bottles to food can liners, from children’s toys to register receipts.
After years of careful evaluation, regulators insist it is safe.
Manufacturers have been using the chemical for over 40 years, but recent research has raised concerns. Animal studies suggest that BPA exposure is linked to reproductive disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other problems.
Human studies point to more complex issues. Last year, researchers at Harvard found that gestational BPA exposure was linked to behavioral problems, and other studies suggest that BPA increases the risk of obesity.
However, there is a contentious debate over what the research actually means. The chemical industry maintains their confidence that BPA presents no dangers, but many prefer to play it safe. China, Canada, the European Union, and 11 states have all banned the use of BPA in children’s products.
The industry has been resistant, but public demand has forced change.
Earlier this year, Campbell’s Soup announced that it will phase out the controversial chemical from their packaging, and this summer, the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) request for an industry-wide BPA ban in baby bottles and sippy cups was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The companies made it clear that their decisions were meant merely to calm consumer fears, and that their decisions were not because their products present any hazards. According to a press release from the ACC, “The consensus of government agencies across the world is that BPA is safe for use in food-contact materials, including those intended for infants and toddlers.”
Consumer advocates and environmental groups are pushing for even greater BPA restriction, but the FDA said that unless they see solid evidence of toxicity, they will not give in to public pressure.
