Bisphenol A - A Neurotoxic Compound Released from Plastic Water Bottles
Chemicals known as “endocrine disrupting chemicals” (EDC) have recently been identified in our food manufacturing chain. Bisphenol- A (BPA) is an EDC that is estrogenic and used for the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. According to the researchers who published this most recent study in the February issue of Scientific American, it is now well established that there is widespread human exposure to Bisphenol - A.
This exposure is occurring mainly through the eating of contaminated foods and beverages that have epoxy resin in them or polycarbonate plastics. This most recent study focused on the release of Bisphenol- A from the plastic bottles that are used for water and soda containers. It was found that the estrogenic bioactivity of the BPA released into the water from their imunoreactivity test was confirmed using an in vitro assay of rapid estrogen signaling and neurotoxicity in developing cerebellar neurons. BPA is being released into the liquids in the plastic bottles. Heat accelerates this process.
The conclusion was that the amounts of BPA that migrate from polycarbonate drinking bottles should be considered in the total exposure to EDCs and that it is part of the toral “EDC burden” we are experiencing in our food chain. Perhaps using glass bottles is a better alternative.
More information about EDCs may be found at: http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
