Scientists call for withdrawal of BPA products
Melanie Defries
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Campaigners have renewed calls for Britain to ban a chemical frequently found in baby bottles, as Denmark became the first European country to restrict its use last month because of health fears.
In a letter published in the Independent newspaper last Thursday (8 April), a coalition of scientists from universities in the US, Britain and Italy argued that, by not banning Bisphenol A (BPA) plastics, which have also been linked to heart disease, obesity and hyperactivity, Britain is failing to protect the public's health. Campaigners want the chemical banned from any plastic used in baby bottles or baby food containers, amid a growing body of research suggesting it is harmful.
The letter coincides with the publication of four new scientific studies, which found more evidence of potentially damaging effects in BPA. The letter, from toxicologists and cancer specialists studying the effects of BPA, said, 'To protect vulnerable populations, it would be both prudent and precautionary in public health terms if products containing BPA used for baby and children's food and liquid packaging in the UK were withdrawn. BPA should be replaced by less hazardous substances. This requires action by both government and industry.'
The letter follows the launch of the 'No More BPA' campaign in December by Breast Cancer UK, backed by scientists and charities including the NCT, the Women's Environmental Network, the Cancer Prevention and Education Society and CHEM Trust (News, 9 December 2009).
In March, Denmark outlawed the use of BPA in food containers for children under the age of three. Canada and three US states have also brought in bans and France is said to be reviewing use of the chemical. However, the Food Standards Agency has said that UK exposure levels to the chemical are well below what it considers harmful.
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