The apparent toxicity of BPA relates to endocrine disruption, or altering the normal balance of hormonal effects in the body. This, in turn, could alter developmental patterns, such as the timing of
puberty, or fertility. But the potential toxicity is based on animal studies, rather than any clear evidence of harm in humans.
Seemingly in response to the upcoming action by the Canadian government, and the possibility of a similar judgment by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Nalgene Outdoor Products, the largest producer of polycarbonate plastic bottles, will stop using BPA.
This is probably a good thing, but we should be careful what we wish for. Since neither we, nor manufacturers, will give up a penchant for plastics any time soon, abandoning one variety means using another. Polycarbonate seemed perfectly harmless at first. There is no reason to think some new plastic that looks innocent now won't be dangerous later. Only time will tell if the latest, greatest plastic is a step forward, or a step back.
I do think concerns about BPA are valid and important. There are many conditions plaguing our population for which the cause seems uncertain, from earlier puberty, to chronic fatigue, to various pain syndromes, to ADHD, and even depression. Foreign chemicals to which our bodies haven't adapted could certainly be an explanation. The process of proving such associations will be difficult and slow, for reasons related to research methodology that go beyond the scope of this blog. You'll have to take my word for it!
Given the options, our best bet seems to be a careful consideration of trade-offs and thorough toxicological testing of new products. The testing won't prove that products are completely safe, but will at least help establish the probability of any toxicity. We then should weigh the benefits of new products, made with new chemicals, against what history has taught us: potential harms may emerge over time, despite good intentions.
For now, stop using any hard plastic that makes you nervous, and instead opt for aluminum and glass wherever you can.
What do you think about this news? Do you have a personal story to share about how BPA may have affected you? Do you love your Nalgene and refuse to give it up? Sound off here and let me know how you're dealing with this news in your household!
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