Pregnant Women: Beware Bisphenol A (despite "experts panel's" reassurance)

Once again a panel convened by the government to investigate possible health risks offered reassurance where independent scientists found only concern. The National Toxicology Program (NTP), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, put together a 12 member panel, whose members included scientists tied to plastics manufacturing to investigate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA)—a chemical used in the manufacturing process of plastics. It is estimated that over 6 billion pounds of this hormone-disrupting chemical have already been produced often for use in food packaging. The panel took a reassuring stance, finding that bisphenol A poses minimal risk. The panel’s report did, however, acknowledge “some concern” that prenatal exposure to bisphenol A causes changes in the brain that can create abnormalities in infants and children. By contrast, non-governmental scientists and those not tied directly to plastics manufacturers consistently publish studies and opinions warning about the effects of the BioMutagen.

The Environmental Working Group , comprised of independent scientists, engineers and attorneys, has been warning of the effects of bisphenol A for years, citing nearly 150 research studies that demonstrate links to birth defects, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and prostate and breast cancers. The EWR hired a panel of nine independent experts to analyze last week’s NTP report. Their findings: The NTP report “contains 300 potential errors, 195 incomplete reviews and 48 basic inconsistencies.” In addition, last week the National Institute of Health enlisted an international panel of 38 experts on bisphenol A, which concluded that the chemical presents a clear health risk to people, especially pregnant women. I recommend that you err on the side of caution.

Rather than accept a false sense of security from the recent NTP report, consider taking steps to reduce exposure for you and your developing baby. Begin with the following:
• Don’t heat foods in plastic containers (heating, especially in a microwave oven, increases the release of BPA into your food).
• Stop putting plastics into the dishwasher (harsh detergents increase the release of BPA).
• Only use glass baby bottles.
• Throw out any plastic bottles, cups, or containers that have hairline cracks or are more than a year old.
• Tell manufacturers of products that you purchase for consumption to stop using the plastics that contain the highest amounts of BPA (#3, 6 & 7) by reviewing this chart.