A recent survey of canned goods in Canada and 19 states across the United States revealed some disturbing news – 70% of the 192 cans sampled contained Bisphenol-A (BPA), a known endocrine disrupting chemical. Undertaken by a coalition of health and environmental organizations, researchers collected samples from numerous retailers and brands in order to test a cross-section of available products.

BPA has been receiving increasing attention due to research linking the compound to endocrine disrupting properties and diseases such as some cancers, obesity, and diabetes, for example. The chemical has been detected in the urine of young children, and has been shown to have serious epigenetic effects on future generations following parental exposure. Unfortunately, even chemicals introduced as safer alternatives to BPA have been shown to be pose risks as well.

Health Care Without Harm is participating in current efforts to revise the Toxic Substance Control Act and strongly urges a comprehensive update of the bill, with an emphasis on the regulation of chemicals in consumer products such as BPA.

[Source: Science World Report]