Introduction
According to FSA (Food Standard Australia New Zealand), Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical. It is basically used as a starting material for the formulation of plastic (polycarbonate) and synthetic resins. BPA is ideally a component in containers and items which often come in contact with human touch. Baby bottles, plastic containers, tins, foods placed in tins, internal coating on tinned items and drinking vessels are a few examples of its usage. Certain studies on laboratory animals indicate that overindulgence on BPA products, may lead to adverse reproductive functionalities. There have also been cases wherein chemicals have migrated from the food packages to the food products. A study recommends more health threats from an ordinary component in household and children’ products. (Lite, 2008)” (see fig. 1).”
In view of EC (Environment California), the purpose of this topic is to ascertain whether low levels of BPA in food products are harmful for human consumption or not? We also need to understand that items which make use of BPA are considerably essential for our daily lives. So, a complete ban of BPA from Ontario schools needs to be backed by relevant scientific information. (Environment California, 2004)
EC (Environment California) reveals that, “Originally used as a synthetic hormone in 1936, BPA is now a manufactured at the rate of 6 billion pounds a year. It is basically used as a building block of bicarbonate plastics and its molecules are bound together by ester bonds. The polymer thus produced, is the building block of polycarbonates. Henceforth, it is not available in the form of traces but in its complete entirety.” (Environment California, 2004)
Health Hazards Backed by Scientific Data
According to EC (Environment California), after 130 studies on the health effects of BPA on a human body, the following conclusion can be drawn. The first was on the basis of the behavioral changes in a human being. Laboratory studies state that low dose exposure of BPA causes the following behavioral changes. Hyperactivity at 30 ppb, increased aggression from 2 to 40 ppb, impaired pain provoking stimuli at 40 ppb, lowered learning skills at 100 ppb, sexual dysfunction at 30 ppb, decrease in nursing capabilities at 10ppb and increased inclination towards drug addition at 40 to 300ppb. (Environment California, 2004)
EC (Environment California), while talking about diabetic and obese patients, it has been noted in mice that their insulin resistance was increased when they were exposed to chronic BPA doses. Insulin resistance of such level often leads to Type II diabetes in humans. A single dose of BPA can alter the level of blood glucose and insulin. Doses between 2.4 and 50ppb a day, can lead to postnatal growth in both males as well as females. (Environment California, 2004)
Conclusion
FDA (2008) has approved the usage of APA, after having found it risk free for human contact (FDA, 2008). According to PMI/Aladdin/Stanley (2008), “Nonetheless, a decision on banning the usage of BPA in Ontario schools is primarily dependant on the scientific facts mentioned above. The decision lies completely on the user’s hands.”
Work Cited
“Bisphenol A (BPA) and Food Packaging”. Fact Sheets March 2009: Food Standard Australia New Zealand. 2009. Web.
“Bisphenol A (BPA)”. FDA: U.S Food and Drug Administration.2008.Web.
“Bisphenol A Overview”. Environment California. 2004. Web.
Lite,Jordan. ”BPA study: Plastic chemical is unhealthy for children and other living things”. 2008. Scientific American.
“PMI/Aladdin/Stanley Statement Regarding Bisphenol-A.”Alladin.pmi. 2008. Web.