Before you take another sip from that soda can, consider this:  the epoxy lining of that can contains BPA (Bisphenol A), one of a class of toxicants that mimics the hormone estrogen, an endocrine disruptor that can wreak havoc on your body.  Hundreds of studies have linked BPA to cardiovascular disease, intestinal problems, brain cell connection interference, increased risks of reproductive and immune system diseases and disorders, problems with liver function testing, interruptions in chemotherapy treatment, polycystic ovarian syndrome, erectile dysfunction and male sexual problems.  BPA has also been linked to the increased risk of cancers, including breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, obesity, diabetes and even to the earlier onset of puberty in girls.

BPA is not only present in cans (46 out of 50 cans tested contained BPA), but also in plastic bottles, baby bottles, sippy cups, toys, plastic food containers and other plastic products and coatings.  BPA is even present in dental sealants.  In fact, BPA so dominates our World, that a 2004 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences study found that 93% of urine samples from American children under the age of 6 contained the BPA. It is also present in our fat cells, umbilical-cord blood and breast milk.

Canada has already classified BPA as a toxic substance and has banned its use, as have several other European countries and some states.   Due to intense pressure from Big Business, no federal laws or warnings currently exist in the United States, so it is up to the consumers to protect themselves.  For those buying from health food stores, thinking those packages are safe, think again: BPA was found in a large majority of any and all canned goods, including those labeled organic, as well as those purchased in Health Food Stores. The only way to avoid BPA is to switch to glass or stainless steel containers, or to look for products packaged in "BPA Free" containers. 

Mirela Monte, Vigilant Consumer                                  Join Holistic Health!