Canada Declares BPA Plastic to be Toxic

Canada recently declared a plastic called BPA (bisphenol A) to be a toxic substance. BPA is commonly used in the manufacture of refillable polycarbonate water bottles and in the linings of metal food and beverage cans.

BPA falls into a category of substances known as endocrine disruptors. As a group, endocrine disruptors either mimic or block the action of hormones, thereby disrupting the body’s functions. In laboratory animals, high concentrations of BPA have been shown to mimic the female hormone estrogen. Several studies reported by The Endocrine Society, a well-known scientific group, suggest that endocrine disruptors such as BPA may have adverse health affects that include infertility and cancer.

Canada and about half a dozen states in the U.S. have already banned the use of BPA in children’s products. Canada’s recent action paves the way for future bans on the use of BPA in food and beverage containers for adults as well, and for increased control over manufacturing processes involving BPA.

So far the U.S. government has taken no action, saying there is not enough evidence that the substance harms humans. But research is underway, and time will tell.