Two Wednesdays ago, a Journal Sentinel Online investigation revealed that independent scientific researchers
determined that bisphenol A, synthetic food-lining ingredient found in liquid baby formula, causes harm to lab animals tested, in low doses; thus, it is also harming human health.

Everyone is exposed to bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BPA) but not everyone understands the toxicity dangers of this manufactured chemical. This synthetic chemical is a toxic polycarbonate plastic and resin ingredient used in food and beverage containers, plastic food wrap, and epoxy resins that are used to line metal food cans and drink cans.
BPA leaches out of plastics into food, water and the environment. It adds flexibility to plastics and household
products containing bisphenol A include PVC water pipes, cleaning supplies, metal food cans, eye glasses, plastic water containers, dental sealants ...and baby bottles.

Manufacturers claim that bisphenol A is safe but tests in animals have linked the chemical to early puberty and cancer.
Bisphenol A disrupts the body’s normal functions by interfering with the endocrine system. Key findings from many government-funded and academic scientific research studies over two decades conclude that the chemical poses health risks at very low doses. For instance, many studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as breast and testicular cancers, pediatric brain cancer, obesity, permanent changes to the genital tract, and hyperactivity in tested lab animals. There are no human tests of bisphenol A because of ethical reasons but one US study found that 95% of people whose blood was tested had been exposed to BPA.

Many loud voices are demanding a ban on bisphenol A as the body of credible research shows that this hormone-like chemical is negatively affecting human health. According to the JSOnline investigation, more scientists suspect bisphenol A is playing a role in a host of medical problems, including obesity and cancer, that have been on the rise in humans.

Avoiding bisphenol A can be tricky for some but not difficult for most. You can switch from the clear plastic drinking bottle such as the popular Nalgene water bottle brand to either stainless steel water bottle or glass. If you have to use plastics, avoid polycarbonate plastic bottles and containers which are usually identified by the plastic recycling symbol #7. Instead, use safe alternatives with the following recycling symbols which don't leach toxic compounds into your drinking water: polypropylene (#5 PP), high density polyethylene (#2 HDPE), and low density polyethylene (#4 LDPE). No evidence has been found to suggest that these plastics leach toxic materials. As for baby formula and packaged food products, purchase organic food from companies that use safe packaging.