Environmental Toxin Bisphenol-a: A Tale of Two Countries

Two articles have been published this week that report on the possible toxic effects to humans by bisphenol-a (B.P.A.).  This chemical is found in many common household goods, including baby bottles, beverage and food containers as well as linings in aluminum food cans.  It is so common that it is found in 93 percent of the population over the age of six.  The first article reports that Canada may soon become the first country to ban the use of the chemical while the second article reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that the chemical was safe based on just two industry-funded studies that didn’t find harm.   The National Toxicology Program has issued a draft report that provides detailed information on B.P.A. and its effects.