Health

An article on the Green Prophet states that bisphenol A is only one of many endocrine disrupting hormones that plague the human body today. The article discusses the prolific nature of BPA, and states that while an effort has been made to suggest that BPA is not harmful, a wealth of studies now support the evidence that even small doses of BPA can be harmful. While BPA is a problem, contributor Tinamarie Bernard suggests that this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hormone mimicking chemicals in plastic. Bernard writes that

The United States Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday that baby bottles and sippy cups can no longer contain bisphenol A, or BPA, the estrogen-disrupting chemical found in malleable plastics. The New York Times reports that the decision was made at the urging of the American Chemistry Council, a lobbying group that often focuses on a pro-plastics agenda.

Recent studies suggest that the chemicals used in dental fillings, which includes bisphenol-A, correlate with an increase in behavioral problems in children. In an article published on CNN, Leslie Wade writes that the tooth-colored material so often used to fill cavities can expose people to BPA both during the filling process, as well as by leaching through normal wear and tear. Industry figures maintain that such dental composites are safe to use, however

A story in the New York Times this week explores how Mexican families use bottled water for just about everything: cooking, cleaning, and even bathing. Residents profiled in the story complain of yellow tap water that seems unfit to use for anything. Many buy every drop of water they use from either multinational companies or local sellers who have invested in filtration systems.

Recent investigation has shown that Bisphenol A isn't the only endocrine disrupting chemical consumers should be worried about. According to an article published today in the US News and World Report, chemical substitute Bisphenol S (or BPS), an endocrine disrupting hormone with traits very similar to BPA, is present in paper money and cash register receipts, much like its predecessor.

The New York Times reports today that residential fires are much different than they used to be, largely due to the prevalance of quick-burning plastics in many of our homes. Reporter Joseph Goldstein writes:

Plastic fillings in sofas and mattresses burn much faster than older fillings like cotton, helping to transform the behavior of house fires in the last few decades, firefighters and engineers say. 

An article on CNN on Tuesday has commented that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has not used sufficient research to determine the safety of products containing bisphenol-A, according to researchers from the Endocrine Society. According to the comments made by the Endocrine Society, the EPA's studies fail to take into account the effects low dosages of bisphenol-A can have on organisms, as well as exposure during particularly vulnerable periods such as pregnancy. According to William Hudson, CNN's Medical Associate Producer:

In an article published today by Food Consumer, the chemical substance Bisphenol A which has commonly been found in plastic products is very likely being replaced rather than removed, circumventing new legislation that has emerged to regulate the presence of toxins in these products. According to one of the site's contributors, Dr. Mercola, a new, lesser known chemical, Bisphenol S, is now also appearing in quantities just as great as its predecessor has appeared. According to Mercola:

An article by the Daily Mail today addressed the growing concern people have over the toxicity of plastic, and attempted to discern whether fears were legitimate, or simply scare-mongering. The article began by focusing on the growing number of people who now actively choose to do away with plastic in their everyday lives -- a trend that contributor Steve Boggan writes can no longer be attributed simply to lone fanatics.

An article posted on AlterNet on Monday calls attention to a recent study which has found that the average household garden hose is laden with chemicals such as bisphenol A and phthalates at levels much higher than what has been determined "safe" by current legislation. Jill Richardson writes that while studies have been conducted which have determined the relative safety of everything from baby products to building materials, garden tools have frequently been overlooked. According to the article: