Dr. Mercola August 07 2007 118,618 views
An estrogen-like compound widely used in plastic products is thought to be causing serious reproductive disorders, according to a statement by several dozen scientists, including four from federal health agencies.The compound, bisphenol A (BPA), is one of the most-produced chemicals in the world, and almost everyone has traces of it -- or more -- in their bodies.After reviewing about 700 studies, the scientists concluded that people are exposed to levels of BPA in excess of those that have harmed lab animals. Among the most vulnerable are infants and fetuses, who are still developing.BPA is used to make hard plastic that’s used in numerous products including:
The statement appeared alongside five accompanying scientific reviews and a new study by the National Institutes of Health that found newborn animals exposed to BPA suffered from uterine damage. The damage could indicate that the chemical causes reproductive disorders in women ranging from fibroids to endometriosis to cancer.While studies have yet to be conducted to directly examine BPA’s influence on humans, past animal studies have found low doses of the chemical to be associated with early-stage prostate and *** cancers and decreased sperm count.No governmental agency worldwide has restricted the use of BPA, but a U.S. expert panel is meeting to discuss whether the chemical should be declared a human reproductive toxin, which could lead to regulatory action.The chemical industry maintains that BPA is safe, and has called the scientists’ statement “alarmist and biased.”
Reproductive Toxicology July 2007
Seattle Times August 3, 2007
Unfortunately while the oil industry can make huge amounts of money from the plastics industry, we will never eradicate it from our lives. The production of Ethylene has proven worth over three thousand fold of gasoline. While there is the demand for ethylene it will still be produced. China alone in 1999, estimated the production to be worth $67 million US for 4.6 million tonnes and expects the demand to be 12 million tonnes by 2012.
Whilst there is this inexpensive plastic available, and the alternatives becoming more expensive, the alternatives will become ever more harder to obtain. Both as commercial products and for domestic usage.
Added to this is the very persuasive PR machine and the "Western world's" desire to take the quick and easy way to do things.