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BPA-free Plastics Cause Health Problems
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BPA-free Plastics Cause Health Problems
With plastics pollution reaching catastrophic levels – and the well-documented health risks of BPA plastic – many people are switching to BPA-free plastic bottles and containers. But a new study has revealed the materials use to make BPA-free plastics can cause health problems.
Two decades ago, a research team discovered BPA (bisphenol A) had leaked out of plastic cages and caused a range of abnormalities in the test mice who lived in them. That was the start of the push for BPA-free products.
Incredibly, the very same scientists have now found that BPA-free materials are causing the same problems.
“This paper reports a strange déjà vu experience in our laboratory,” said Patricia Hunt from Washington State University.
Just like their first discovery, they noticed the data from control mice in their labs was unusual. And it turned out, the cages were contaminated. It took some time before they realised the source was replacement bisphenols. And again, the material was causing similar abnormalities in the production of mice eggs and sperm.
They did more (official) studies and their suspicions were confirmed.
What does this mean for human health?
Question is: should we avoid BPA-free plastics as well as BPA plastics?"Plastic products that show physical signs of damage or aging cannot be considered safe," Hunt said.
She also says science is moving at such a rapid pace that researchers need time to study the effects of other chemicals on fertility.
“Regulatory agencies charged with assessing chemical safety cannot keep pace with the introduction of new chemicals,” she said.
“Further, as replacement bisphenols illustrate, it is easier and more cost effective under current chemical regulations to replace a chemical of concern with structural analogs rather than determine the attributes that make it hazardous."
If you're concerned about plastics, you might like to switch to non-plastic packaging and materials such as stainless steel, bamboo, and compostables. You can also speak with your healthcare professional if you're concerned about certain toxins impacting your fertility.
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