Mere weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concluded that bisphenol A (also known as BPA) is safe, a final report released this week by the National Toxicology Program says the dangers “cannot be dismissed.” The report says that there is “some concern” that BPA can effect development of the prostate gland and brain and can have behavioral effects in fetuses, infants and children.

I’d like to say I am surprised, but if you read Is BPA Safe? you know that I and many others were highly skeptical of the conclusion from the FDA, effectively dismissing scientific evidence of adverse effects.

“There remains considerable uncertainty whether the changes seen in the animal studies are directly applicable to humans, and whether they would result in clear adverse health effects,” said NTP Associate Director John Bucher, Ph.D. “But we have concluded that the possibility that BPA may affect human development cannot be dismissed.”

The full report can be found here.

While Canada has already announced its intention to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles and California lawmakers are expected to vote on a similar ban, it’s unknown whether the FDA will follow suit. The government agency will, however, take the FTP findings into account Sept. 16 at its public meeting to discuss the draft health assessment of bisphenol-A.

Bisphenol-A is found in No. 7 plastic baby bottles, 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, certain food containers and other items, including the lining of cans and tons of common household products.

So what’s a consumer to do? Make the personal choice to limit your exposure and especially your baby’s exposure to this harmful chemical. Whenever possible, choose glass or aluminum over plastic especially in the kitchen.

For those of you with babies, thankfully there are lots of companies manufacturing BPA-free bottles and cups.
Born Free Natural Baby Products
Adiri
Green to Grow

And let your voice be heard. Tell the U.S. Congress how you feel about this issue by signing Care2’s petition here.