Studies on Chemical In Plastics Questioned ( Dems question FDA approvals)

[Lorien]

Source: Washington Post

Studies on Chemical In Plastics Questioned
Congress Examines Role Of Industry in Regulation

By Lyndsey Layton
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, April 27, 2008; A01

Despite more than 100 published studies by government scientists and university laboratories that have raised health concerns about a chemical compound that is central to the multibillion-dollar plastics industry, the Food and Drug Administration has deemed it safe largely because of two studies, both funded by an industry trade group.

The agency says it has relied on research backed by the American Plastics Council because it had input on its design, monitored its progress and reviewed the raw data.

The compound, bisphenol A (BPA), has been linked to breast and prostate cancer, behavioral disorders and reproductive health problems in laboratory animals.

As evidence mounts about the risks of using BPA in baby bottles and other products, some experts and industry critics contend that chemical manufacturers have exerted influence over federal regulators to keep a possibly unsafe product on the market.

Congressional Democrats have begun investigating any industry influence in regulating BPA.

"Tobacco figured this out, and essentially it's the same model," said David Michaels, who was a federal regulator in the Clinton administration. "If you fight the science, you're able to postpone regulation and victim compensation, as well. As in this case, eventually the science becomes overwhelming. But if you can get five or 10 years of avoiding pollution control or production of chemicals, you've greatly increased your product."



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/26/AR2008042602126.html?nav=rss_politics

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. For those recyclers out there - it's a type seven plastic

.
.
.

you will see a symbol like this

http://www.decodeunicode.org/en/u+2679/data/glyph/196x196/2679.gif

on the bottom of the container/product

From Wiki

Identification in plastics

There are seven classes of plastics used in packaging applications. Type 7 is the catch-all "other" class, and some type 7 plastics, such as polycarbonate (sometimes identified with the letters "PC" near the recycling symbol) and epoxy resins, are made from bisphenol A monomer.<1> When such plastics are exposed to hot liquids, bisphenol A leaches out 55 times faster than it does under normal conditions, at up to 32 ng/hour.<69> Type 3 (PVC) can also contain bisphenol A as antioxidant in plasticizers.<1> Types 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), 5 (Polypropylene), and 6 (polystyrene) do not use bisphenol A during polymerization or package forming,<70> and thus will not leach bisphenol A into food or beverages.

_______________________________________________________________________

hope this clears this issue up somewhat.

[Lorien]

2. Thanks for the heads up!

Makes me glad that I ordered another Sigg bottle.

:scared:

[Quantess]

6. Good to know!

Kick.

[Quantess]

7. I have a question:

I have bowls that are stamped on the bottom "100% melamine" "made in China" "7".

There are no recycle arrows around the 7.
Are my bowls a type seven plastic?

[eppur_se_muova]

8. Yes. Type 7 is just "other".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_identification_code#Plastic_Identification_Code

[Quantess]

9. I thought so too, until I looked up melamine on google.

Apparently, melamine does not give off bisphenol-A, but melamine does give off a false protein reading, which made it a *perfect* ingredient for imported Chinese pet food.

Dear Pets: Melamine is not supposed to be in your food! It is supposed to be in food bowls, only!

Pets: If a stranger gives you melamine in the form of a "treat", just back away!

[Lorien]

3. I can't believe how fast this is sinking

:kick:

[Karenina]

4. K&R!!!

:kick:

[Lorien]

5. Thanks Karenina!

do they allow this stuff in Germany?