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Friday, August 03, 2007

Plastics Make It Possible?

Several new documents raise concern over the safety of the chemical Bisphenol-A, according to The Los Angeles Times. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a widely-used compound found in hard plastics including baby bottles and drink containers. Despite its ubiquity, federal agencies have done little to study its effects or regulate its use.

In one document, the National Institutes of Health found health problems in newborn animals exposed to BPA. The LA Times article states, "It is the first time BPA has been linked to disorders of the female reproductive tract."

Also, a group of 38 scientists, including some from government, summarized 700 studies on BPA and concluded the compound poses serious threats to human reproductive health. The scientists published their consensus in the journal Reproductive Toxicology.

Not surprisingly, the plastics industry has taken exception with the scientific findings. From the article:

"Considering many of these people have made their views known in the past, is there any surprise? Is there really anything new?" said Steve Hentges of the American Chemistry Council's polycarbonate/BPA group.

Reg•Watch has heard industry lobbyists attack science many times, but this is perhaps the lamest attempt. Is there error in reaffirming one's position? Just because this has been said before doesn't make it any less true. If anything, these scientists should be commended for their vigilance. Kudos scientists!

In other BPA news, the Pump Handle blog has an update on a conflicted contractor performing scientific research for NIH which OMB Watch reported on a few months back.