Recent study continues water bottle controversy
Bisphenol A, the controversial compound present in many consumer plastics, has been linked with both heart disease and diabetes, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This new study of nearly 1,500 people is the latest development in a series of studies that have received a fury of media attention over the past few years.
Bisphenol A, or BPA as it is more commonly known, is a chemical compound that is used widely in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic - what Nalgene bottles are made of - is particularly renowned for being lightweight and tough and possessing excellent optical clarity. Epoxy resins, on the other hand, are used in a variety of industrial settings, generally to create protective coatings which are tough, adhesive and chemically resistant.
The new study, performed by investigators in the U.K. and the University of Iowa, used data obtained through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is run by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Participants in the survey were between 18 and 74 years old and were said to be representative of the U.S. population.
Researchers analyzed urine samples collected by the survey for a myriad of compounds, including BPA. According to results, individuals who tested for the maximum amount of BPA relative to those tested for the least were twice as likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
"I think the findings are valid. Research is pointing to lower and lower doses of chemicals being immunologically relevant. Although there hasn't been lab data to suggest a mechanism of action for BPA relating to heart disease, there is data showing changes in liver and pancreatic function," assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the School of Public Health DeLisa Fairweather said.
BPA has been known to leech from consumer goods such as water bottles, baby bottles, metal cans and dental sealants, raising some health concerns. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to determine the effects of BPA in humans, with no consistent results.
Bisphenol A, or BPA as it is more commonly known, is a chemical compound that is used widely in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic - what Nalgene bottles are made of - is particularly renowned for being lightweight and tough and possessing excellent optical clarity. Epoxy resins, on the other hand, are used in a variety of industrial settings, generally to create protective coatings which are tough, adhesive and chemically resistant.
The new study, performed by investigators in the U.K. and the University of Iowa, used data obtained through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is run by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Participants in the survey were between 18 and 74 years old and were said to be representative of the U.S. population.
Researchers analyzed urine samples collected by the survey for a myriad of compounds, including BPA. According to results, individuals who tested for the maximum amount of BPA relative to those tested for the least were twice as likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
"I think the findings are valid. Research is pointing to lower and lower doses of chemicals being immunologically relevant. Although there hasn't been lab data to suggest a mechanism of action for BPA relating to heart disease, there is data showing changes in liver and pancreatic function," assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the School of Public Health DeLisa Fairweather said.
BPA has been known to leech from consumer goods such as water bottles, baby bottles, metal cans and dental sealants, raising some health concerns. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to determine the effects of BPA in humans, with no consistent results.
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Rachel Whitney
posted 3/11/09 @ 1:34 AM EST
Thanks to author! I like articles like this about , very interesting.
Paula Peeler
posted 4/19/09 @ 1:59 AM EST
I thought this debate was about them, as opposed to featuring them. Whoops.
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