By now, we know if that nasty stuff called bisphenol A is a health hazard or not. That is, according to Health Canada. Last week, the federal government agency was supposed to rule if they thought the chemical, which makes up part of a very popular plastic used in water bottles, storage containers and, heavens! baby bottles, is a health hazard. Already however, that hasn’t stopped stores from yanking such bottles off their shelves. This has actually been going on for years. Small health food stores were among the first to stop carrying the plastic bottles. Warnings about the chemical have been around for over five years. The unease spread to fitness stores, then gyms and outdoor shops. Last week, Hudson’s Bay Company said it will pull the product from its HBC and Zeller’s stores across Canada if the government puts a “toxic” label on the product. So, if you haven’t heard, here’s the scoop: Bisphenol A is an “estrogenic hormone disrupter.’’ And that means? Well, it’s believed to cause reproductive damage, and may lead to prostrate and breast cancer in adulthood. A U.S. government agency says there is “ome concern for neural and behavioural effects in fetuses, infants and children at current human exposures.’’ Just drinking from a bottle is “exposure.’’ Meanwhile, the plastic industry says there is no reason for alarm. Their studies show BPA is harmless. Oh well. Research also shows the chemical, leaches faster into warm milk or juice than cold water. Plus, washing the bottles in a dishwasher speeds up the leaching process too. And, old bottles leach faster than brand new ones. So, how do you tell a BPA polycarbonate bottle? Well, they are everywhere. For starters, look for a clear or transparent coloured, hard plastic, water or milk bottle. Bottled water and juice bottles are generally okay. That’s a different plastic. If your bottle is a recent manufacture, you can look on the bottom. If there is a small triangular symbol, with a number in it, that’s helpful. If the number is anything other than “7’’, you are okay. If it’s “7’’ that’s the bad stuff. After that it’s up to you. As Dirty Harry says, “Do you feel lucky?’’ One final thought that actually started this column. In the photo is a sample of a polycarbonate BPA bottle, (with a “7”). This is typical of products sold or passed out as promotions. You should be able to read the imprint, “Health info for every body.’’ There’s a website, www.canadian-health-network.ca.’ And who was passing out the bottles? The federal Public Health Agency of Canada! Guess somebody inside wasn’t keeping up with health stores, eh?

Copyright © 2002 Smoky River Express. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster