Bisphenol-A
The organic compound Bisphenol-A, often abbreviated as BPA, is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. In the past, it was used primarily as a clear, strong plastic which was most often utilized in products such as baby bottles. This was because the BPA plastic is strong and easily-sterilized. Products like baby bottles require lots of use and quite a bit of abuse, such as being thrown around by a small child. Consequently, it proved useful to consumers because they would not have to replace the product regularly. BPA is also used in eyeglass lenses, medical materials, water bottles, CDs and DVDs, cellular telephones, computers, electronics, household appliances, safety shields, sporting equipment, and cars (Bisphenol A). This material is used in many products and consequently is an important factor in the manufacturing of other consumer products. However, there has been a debate in recent years about whether or not BPA is a hazardous material and should be banned out of concern for public safety.
There are several countries, including Canada and many nations in Europe, that have banned the use of BPA in the sale of certain products like baby bottles for fear of the potential...
Researchers in Canada were able to ascertain that a staggering 91% of the population had at least some BPA inside their bodies. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently performing research to determine whether or not the use of BPA should be restricted or outright banned in the U.S. As well. Another group, the National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction uses five criteria to determine possible levels of toxicity: negligible concern, minimal concern, some concern, concern, and then serious concern (Bisphenol 2010). They determined that BPA has minimal concern to pregnant and then breastfeeding mothers. There was also a negligible concern to other outcomes, such as endangerment to small children. The NTP has been able to link bisphenol A to breast cancer (Baker 2008-page 159). Specific health concerns are that BPA can have negative effects on the development of the brain and prostate glands of fetuses, infants, and children.
For all of these reasons, there are many groups who are attempting to ban the use of bisphenol A in the United States and in other countries who do not…
