Side Effect of Plastic: Aggressive Kids
Plastics containing Bisphenol-A linked to child misbehavior
Yes we know, everything causes cancer, nothing is safe for our kids, a lot of paranoia, right?
Sometimes these concerns are for real. A chemical of significant importance to parents and scientists these days is Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a common chemical used in plastics for increased flexibility and molding. It can be found in your child’s plastic sippy cup, binkies, and even canned food. The lining found inside some canned foods is very similar to high density plastics, thus likely to contain significant levels of BPA. Numerous studies have proven that Bisphenol-A can negatively impact your health. Experts have advised people to shop for BPA-free products. In general, avoiding plastics whenever possible is a good idea.
Read on and read the label before you purchase that pair of dangly keys or canned mac’n’cheese.
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Research Reveals Unpleasant News
Leaching is the process of a chemical seeping out of its original binding and into its surroundings (see example here). A university study was conducted to determine the leaching abilities of plastic bottles wherein the interaction between warm liquids and polycarbonate plastics released Bisphenol A into the drinking solution. During the Harvard study, each student was given two polycarbonate bottles, which were not to be cleaned in the dishwasher (to void increased heat) and filled only with cold water. The students’ urine samples came back positive for a BPA increase of 69 percent. Is this a concern? The unfortunate answer is “yes” because Bisphenol-A has been shown to alter the endocrine system causing early sexual development. Changes in fetal development, sperm production, and malfunctioning hormones are also results of BPA ingestion.
Recently, the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill released a study, the first of its kind, linking behavioral problems in children from women that were exposed to BPA during pregnancy. The study measured levels of BPA in urine samples at three different stages of
pregnancy- the first at 16 weeks, then at 26 weeks and finally at birth. The results showed that the women who had the highest levels of Bisphenol-A in their systems at the earliest stages of pregnancy had daughters who were more aggressive and hyperactive. To the scientists’ surprise, girls seemed to be the most affected while boys didn’t have a big difference in aggression but instead became more anxious and depressed. The greatest effects caused seem to be those of the earliest exposures. Most women can be affected even before they know they are pregnant, which can later cause even greater problems for their unborn children. Last year Canada became the first country to ban Bisphenol-A in baby bottles and Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us have announced they will stock only BPA-free bottles.
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How to drink beverages without worrying about BPA exposure
It used to be simple. If people were worried about Bisphenol-A exposure, all they needed to do was go out and buy a BPA-free bottle, usually made from aluminum. However, BPA-free doesn’t necessarily mean BPA-free anymore. A major bottle manufacturer, SIGG, revealed that their supposed BPA-free aluminum bottles actually did contain BPA in bottle linings. Another bottle manufacturer, Gaiam, recently revealed that their BPA-free aluminum bottles did contain BPA, 23.8 parts per billion under extreme heat conditions. This amount is ten times more potent than the Bisphenol-A levels found in SIGG. So what is a worried consumer to do when bottles claiming to be BPA-free aren’t really BPA-free? Fortunately, more and more options are becoming available for the eco-conscious consumer. Here are some alternatives.
- Stainless steel- Unbreakable, portable, and safe, stainless steel bottles are one of the best reusable bottles to own
- BPA-free plastics: Look for plastic beverage containers made from high-density polyethylene (#2 HDPE), low density polyethylene (#4 LDPE), or polypropylene (#5 PP).
- Aluminum bottles– There are manufacturers out there that offer true BPA-free aluminum bottles, just be shopping-savvy
- Glass
- Ceramic mugs
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Graduate With Your Green Gown On
October 29th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
it’s very difficult to determine what is safe for your child or even yourself. but i think that BPA is a real issue and i’m glad that you are addressing it.
October 29th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
BPA and plastics are so prominent that’s almost impossible to determine what a parent must do! interestingly enough, many doctors are still not educated on this issue. I’m an herbalist and my community is well aware of the issues associated with BPA in baby bottles, plastics, vinyl, etc.
October 29th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
i noticed that SIGG bottles quickly changed their labels to avoid saying BPA-Free… greenwashing (i’m sure they knew before)!
October 29th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I think that BPA issues are very exaggerated by eco-fads. I mean how can we honestly get rid of everything that contains them an plastic? It’s impossible… imagine all the medical equipment that contains BPA! You think producers and consumers are going to through this revolution over night? I don’t think so.
October 29th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
BPA allows manufacturer to mold and shape plastic. So, if you really want to avoid it say ‘goodbye’ to the luxuries it offers; like baby toys, plastic eating utensils, water bottles, and even certain shoes.
October 29th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
NO I HAVE A GAIAM WATER BOTTLE THAT WAS MARKED BPA FREE. THAT JUST ANGERS ME, WHO AM I SUPPOSE TO BELIEVE? I GUESS I’LL JUST HAVE TO START CARRYING MY GLASS WITH MY EVERYWHERE I GO!
October 29th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I always heard that products containing BPA materials were harmful, but I’ve never heard of a study like this. It’s really crazy that that stuff is in EVERYTHING. I hope people become more aware of this study and how harmful it REALLY is.
October 31st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
[...] article by on Sierra Club Green Home highlights a recent study by the University of North Carolina- Chapel [...]
November 1st, 2009 at 12:24 am
What about the other food products that are sold in plastic bottles, plastic containers? Are these free from BPA? Response would be appreciated….
November 1st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
[...] know when you’re being exposed to BPA. How can you protect yourself and your child? The Sierra Club offers the breakdown on plastic bottle codes and which ones are safe for [...]
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
[...] A first-of-its-kind study done by the University of North Carolina linked behavioral problems in children from women that were exposed to BPA during pregnancy. The study measured levels of BPA in urine samples at three different stages of pregnancy- the first at 16 weeks, then at 26 weeks and finally at birth. The results showed that the women who had the highest levels of BPA in their systems at the earliest stages of pregnancy had daughters who were more aggressive and hyperactive. To the scientists’ surprise, girls seemed to be the most affected while boys didn’t have a big difference in aggression but instead became more anxious and depressed. The greatest effects caused seem to be those of the earliest exposures. Most women can be affected even before they know they are pregnant, which can later cause even greater problems for their unborn children. Last year Canada became the first country to ban BPA in baby bottles and Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us have announced they will stock only BPA-free bottles. [...]
November 6th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
THIS IS DISTURBING. WOULDN’T IT BE EASIER FOR COMPANIES TO JUST OFFER WHAT THEY CLAIIM ISNTEAD OF LYING?
November 6th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Seems like everything these days are linked to some disease or health problem. We should have more regulations. I think people would be safer then.
November 6th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Are those companies giving refunds? You don’t think people got seriously sick from drinking from these bottles? That would suck.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Does recycling plastic increase the BPA? Like reusing water bottles?
November 11th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Good point Amy, Does anyone know if virgin plastic or recycled plastic has more BPA content?
November 16th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Wow. This is a very scary, yet interesting, article.
November 20th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
This is scary. Nothing seems safe anymore. But then I get to thinking, was anything really safe to begin with?
November 21st, 2009 at 11:34 pm
[...] know when you’re being exposed to BPA. How can you protect yourself and your child? The Sierra Club offers the breakdown on plastic bottle codes and which ones are safe for [...]
January 26th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
It’s disturbing how difficult it is to find BPA-free products. I’ve been trying to find BPA-free tupperware for so long and I haven’t seen it anywhere! I guess I’ll have to go online and order for way too much money.
January 31st, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Genial brief and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you on your information.
July 10th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Amzing thoughts went into this post! Looking forward to more.
July 10th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Looking forward to finally finishing my research, great post!
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:30 pm
[...] first-of-its-kind study done by the University of North Carolina linked behavioral problems in children from women that [...]
July 4th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Surprised that even cold drinks placed in polycarbonate bottles will contain BPA. Since I think it would be hard to find BPA-free plastic I would rather use only strainless steel, ceramic and glass containers.
September 24th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
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April 2nd, 2012 at 6:58 am
There is also evidence that BPA’s cause semi-literacy and interferes with the potential flow of logic, as reflected in most blogs and postings.