Yes more stuff about BPA in plastics!

I am posting an e-newsletter I received that I think anyone who hasn't checked what kind of plastic cups and/or bottle your child is drinking out of(and yourself for that matter)should read, really couldn't say it better myself so I'm not even gonna try....

Dear Friends,

Just days before the California legislature will be considering passing a ban on the toxic chemical BPA in some children's products, the FDA has announced BPA is safe for human consumption. Although there are over 100 published reports by government scientists and independent research labs documenting the risks of BPA (particularly for infants and children), the FDA has relied solely on two chemical-industry funded studies that concluded BPA poses no risk to human health. At this point I would say it is entirely clear the FDA is more committed to protecting the interests of industry rather than ensuring the safety of the public.

It is important to note that the National Toxicology Program, an arm of National Institutes of Health, has produced studies that differ in their results from those that the FDA has chosen to accept. So what the FDA has chosen to do is ignore reports from within its own system in favor of those funded by special interests. A public meeting has been scheduled for September 16 to discuss issues arising from the preliminary report issued by the NIH, which expresses concern over the dangers of BPA, especially in relation to infants and children. One thing to keep in mind - and this is consistently misreported by the media - no one is saying that BPA is safe. Everyone acknowledges that it is a dangerous toxicant. The only argument is over the level required to inflict major and irreparable damage.

Please read the articles below to get a brief overview on this issue, particularly the Washington Post article titled "Studies on Chemical In Plastics Questioned: Congress Examines Role Of Industry in Regulation." This is essential reading. It is imperative that as representatives of Green to Grow you are able to answer questions such as: "But the FDA has declared BPA is safe; why should we carry a BPA-free alternative? Why should anyone care about this issue now?"

Last, two statistics for your consideration: More than 6 billion pounds of bisphenol A are produced in the U.S. each year by Dow Chemical, BASF, Bayer AG and other manufacturers. Studies indicate that 95% of us have detectable levels of BPA in our systems.

Thanks for your time and commitment to educating people about this issue. Clearly we can't rely on our government to do the right thing. It will be up to companies like Green to Grow, and those who support us, to keep the issue visible.

All the best,

Michael Ritterbrown
Shelley Aronoff
Green to Grow



Studies on Chemical In Plastics Questioned
Congress Examines Role Of Industry in Regulation
By Lyndsey Layton
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, April 27, 2008; A01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/26/AR2008042602126_pf.html

FDA Decision Over BPA Meant to Influence California Lawmakers?
http://www.ewg.org/node/27022
Environmental Working Group News Release, August 15, 2008
EWG is a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, DC that uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment.

FDA Says Chemical Found in Plastic Bottles is Safe
Associated Press, Matthew Perrone, August 15, 2008
http://www.ewg.org/node/27023