HOW OUR LITTLE PLASTIC HELPERS ARE KILLING US

If you have not heard of Bisphenol-A and Phthalates which are in the news, take time to read through some of the information here.

Bisphenol-A mimics the female hormone estrogen and is suspected of affecting fertility and inducing cancers.

It is used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics and is the main ingredient in hard polycarbonate plastics such as baby bottles and water bottles. The plastics are used in many food and drink packaging applications, and the resins are commonly used as lacquers to coat metal products such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply pipes. It is also used in many products intended for use by young children, including, but not limited to, toys, pacifiers, baby bottles, and teethers.

The chemical can leak from plastic, especially when containers are heated, cleaned with harsh detergents or exposed to acidic foods or drinks. Bisphenol A has been detected in nearly all human bodies tested in the United States. Bisphenol-A has been shown to have hormone disrupting effects, and some mice studies have shown that it can produce hyperactivity, faster growth in females and earlier onset of puberty.

A study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, by scientists Frederick vom Saal and Claude Hughes, says that of the 115 studies have been published examining low doses of the chemical, and 94 found harmful effects.

The Israeli Health Ministry issued a warning to parents to throw away baby bottles that have been in use for over a year and those that have cracks or scratches. In addition, pacifiers (dummies) and teething rings that are worn out or torn should not be used.

Plastic containing BPA may be called: Polycarbonate or Lexan Polysulfone

o Plastic that contains BPA carries the #7 recycling symbol.
o Most clear plastic baby bottles and child cups are made of BPA-containing plastic.
o Dental sealant may leach BPA; this is being debated. You may want to avoid dental sealants on your children’s baby teeth.

Phthalates are chemical substances used to make PVC plastic soft and pliable. They are widely used in products such as food wrapping, vinyl shower curtains and cosmetics. They are also used in soft plastic toys and other baby products such as teething rings and rattles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), phthalates are industrial chemicals added to many consumer products, including vinyl flooring adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, solvents, food packaging, automotive plastics, and personal-care products, such as soap, shampoo, hair spray, and nail polish. Phthalates are also used in flexible polyvinyl chloride plastics, such as plastic bags, food packaging, garden hoses, inflatable recreational toys, intravenous tubing, children’s toys, and some pharmaceutical and pesticide formulations.

The effects of phthalates vary in scientific studies on animals, but testicular injury, liver injury, and liver cancer have been associated with exposure to the chemical. Once in the system they may disrupt the hormones and the reproductive system.

The California Assembly Bill 319, sponsored by Wilma Chan, D-Oakland, would have banned some products intended for children under 3 years old that contained bisphenol-A and some phthalates; di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl (DBP), and butylbenzyl (BBP). The bill was defeated lsst week by the appropriations committee.

Support

Environment California (sponsor)
Breast Cancer Fund
California Communities Against Toxics
California Environmental Rights
Alliance
California League of Conservation Voters
California Safe Schools
Children’s Environmental Health
Coalition
Clean Water Action
Community Action to Fight Asthma
Del Amo Action Committee
Earth Friendly Interior Design
Environmental Working Group
National Environmental Trust
Pacoima Beautiful
Phillippine Action Committee
Pro Uno
Sierra Club California

Opposition

American electronics Association
Big Time Toys
California Chamber of Commerce
California Grocers Association
California League of Food Processors
California Manufacturers and
Technology Association
California Retailers Association
Cap Candy
Food Products Association
Funrise Toys
Grocery Manufacturers of America
International Bottled Water Association
Metal Container Corp.
Legoland California
Mega Bloks Inc.
Polyform Products Company
Phtalates Esters Panel of the American Chemistry Council
Ravensburger-FX Schmid USA Inc.
The Society of the Plastics Industry
Taggies, Inc.
Tean edge Ltd. Co.