Yesterday the Globe and Mail reported that Health Canada was going to make a statement any day now that Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a dangerous substance. If they do make this statement, they would be the first regulatory body in the world to do so. The US assessment proces is only at a preliminary stage right now.
Please click on the BPA label below to read my previous blog on BPA (Goodbye pink Nalgene bottle- April 7) for more information. Generally, it’s found in polycarbonate hard plastic products (like Nalgene bottles, baby bottles ) and in the lining of cans.
According to the article, US tests have found that more than 90% of the population carries trace residues of BPA in their bodies, the majority of which comes from BPA leached into our foods and drinks.
Independent studies have linked BPA exposure in animals to cancer, early puberty, schizophrenia, attention-deficit disorder and developmental delays. However, industry-funded studies have not been able to confirm these results.
Today, as a result of yesterday’s article, companies and stores are already starting to voluntarily pull plastic water bottles and storage containers containing BPA off their shelves. These companies include Forzani Group Ltd (which has 500 stores across Canada including Sport Check, Athlete’s World and Coast Mountain Sports), Hudson’s Bay Co. (which includes the Bay and Zellers), Canadian Tire, Mark’s Work Wearhouse and PartSources stores.
According to Forzani’s CEO, the Globe and Mail article “was sufficient cause to take the high road and get it off the shelf. We are doing this out of an overabundance of caution”.
Stay tuned for the government’s statement!
Thanks Nicole and James for the article links!
Sources:
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