What's in Your Bottle?

Earlier this year, the FDA released a statement that Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly contained in plastics, was safe. This statement was not made casually, but after careful consideration of the best evidence available.

Now, the National Toxicology Program, which falls under the large umbrella of the National Institutes of Health, disagrees. Their own assessment released last week determined that there is some concern for effects on the brain, prostate and behavior of fetuses, infants and children at typical levels of exposure.

Interestingly, rather than accepting this as a cause for legitimate concern, the American Chemical Society’s weekly magazine proudly claims, “Bisphenol A Called Mostly Safe.”

From the article itself:
“The findings in NTP's draft report provide reassurance that consumers can continue to use products made from bisphenol A,” said Steven G. Hentges of the American Chemistry Council's Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group.

That must be the most sensational piece of political spin I’ve ever heard! Most rational individuals understand that health risks ought to be avoided even when they are only risks- not guarantees. Scientists agree that bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor although the minimum amount required to be significant is unknown. Shall we wait until enough brains, prostates and behaviors are disrupted so that we have undisputed evidence that BPA is bad? Walmart, Nalgene, Toys R Us say no. All 3 are clearing their shelves of products containing BPA.

The FDA says it is safe. The National Toxicology Program says it is not safe. Let’s err on the side of safety and avoid BPA containing products.