The Food and Drug Administration has rejected a petition from environmentalists that would have banned the plastic-hardening chemical BPA, or bisphenol-a from all food and drink packaging.
The agency said petitioners from The Natural Resources Defense Council's did not present compelling scientific evidence that the much-debated chemical is dangerous when used in tin food cans, bottles and other packaging. It's also found in other items like dental sealants, household appliances, and even sports equipment.
As federal scientists continue to study the issue, so will Mid-Missouri researchers. MU biology professor Frederick vom Saal is a leading researcher into bpa. He's expected to release new research soon linking the chemical to obesity in babies. Fox News reports vom Saal believes pregnant women who expose their fetuses to BPA run the risk of having obese children.
"During the development of the fetus, BPA exposure alters the development of stem cells," explains vom Saal. "Think of it as tripping a switch in the DNA. BPA turns out to be a major factor in the number of fat cells that a person will have later in life."
The Natural Resources Defense Council's petition was the latest attempt by safety advocates to prod regulators into taking action against the chemical, which is found in hundreds of household items.
Some scientists believe exposure to bpa, can harm the reproductive and nervous systems, potentially leading to cancer and other diseases. About 90 percent of americans have traces of bpa in their bodies, mainly because it leaches out of food containers. The Environmental Working Group has run tests and found the highest concentrations of bpa in cans of soup, pasta and infant formula. The group offers tips to reduce your exposure, including using metal water bottles, glass baby bottles, or those laeled bpa-free.
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