Common household items that could contain BPA. Photo Illustration by Holt Menzies

by NASH DUNN
News Reporter

A recent study on bisphenol-A (BPA), the chemical used in some plastic water bottles and canned food liners, found evidence suggesting the substance may increase the risk of reproductive issues in humans, according to a study conducted in China.

The study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente epidemiologist Dr. De-Kun Li, observed reproductive effects of factory workers exposed to large quantities of BPA, and is one of the first to be performed on humans.

BPA’s effectiveness has been debated over the last decade, with some research connecting the chemical to early puberty, erectile dysfunction and brain damage, while other studies suggest limited effects on adults.

National Toxicology Program (NTP) Director of Communications Christine Flowers said college students are constantly exposed to BPA, and should be aware of its uses.

“The big thing for college students is water bottle usage,” Flowers said. “The liners in canned foods and the plastics used in microwaveable products also use BPA.”

At the Appalachian State University bookstore, most retail water bottles were considered “BPA free,” but it was unclear as of press time if all did not contain the chemical.

Appalachian Food Services is currently asking their manufacturers for a list of products containing BPA, and Director Ron Dubberly said there are a few vegetable products, including green beans and green peas, that are packaged in cans.

Consumer Union, a non-profit organization that publishes Consumer Reports, found traces of BPA in 19 name brand canned products, including Del Monte Fresh Cut Blue Lake Green Beans, Vital Choice canned tuna and Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup. Several of these products, including Vital Choice canned tuna, were labeled “BPA free,” according to a report from consumerreports.com. 

In August 2008, the Food and Drug Administration reported “an adequate margin of safety exists for BPA at current levels of exposure,” according to a CNN Web site article.

Due to recent studies and outrage from the scientific community, the FDA is reviewing that stand, and should release how BPA will soon be regulated, Flowers said.

Mike Shelby, director of the NTP Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, said BPA can only enter the body through water and food consumption.

“After producing polycarbonate plastics [in water bottles] and epoxy resin [in canned food liners], there is some residual [BPA] remaining in the product,” Shelby said. “This BPA can leach out of the plastic and epoxy resin into the food or drink that’s contained within these bottles or cans.”

Photo Illustration by Holt Menzies  |  Chief Photographer

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