Bisphenol A (BPA), the ever-present polycarbonate plastic hardener has been implicated in a growing range of consumer products. We recently wrote that the Toxic Chemical was found in ordinary thermal paper receipts, further intensifying its ubiquity.
Now, NBC Connecticut says that Connecticut lawmakers are looking to increase bans on the Dangerous Toxin to include cash register and ATM receipts. Previously, the Toxin was banned, in a move that will be effective in October, from infant formula and baby food containers and some reusable food and beverage containers noted NBC Connecticut.
The Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut is getting the word out on Toxic chemicals, pointing out that they can be absorbed into the skin from paper and The Environment Committee has scheduled a public hearing tomorrow to further discuss the issue, noted NBC Connecticut.
We have been writing about the implications of BPA in thermal paper receipts, recently reporting on a study in which it was found that cashier workers had the greatest BPA concentrations, implicating BPA on thermal paper receipts.
Meanwhile, the state of Oregon recently joined a number of other states and entities in implementing a BPA ban in baby bottles, sippy cups, baby formula cans, and reusable sports beverage containers. Unlike other moves, Oregon is seeking an additional rule: That manufacturers include that items that contain BPA have that indicated on labels and packaging.
The Oregon Environmental Council has opened up a Facebook page to garner support for its legislation and brings up a good point regarding the proposed transparency in labeling and packaging, said Sightline Daily previously. If manufacturers really want to stand behind their products and have nothing to hide, there should be no issue posting a product’s chemical ingredients, including Hazardous Chemical Substances such as BPA and phthalates.
Hundreds of studies have linked BPA to toxic injury and life-threatening illnesses, including 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, and premature puberty. We have also long written about the Toxic Substance’s links to PCOS, female fertility issues, erectile dysfunction, and male sexual problems. In addition to growing concern over the negative impact of BPA on health and the environment, and despite tremendous public support for increased regulation concerning toxic chemicals, Congress has continued to act on the side of the industry. Most recently, BPA has been linked, again, to sperm health issues but, this time, the study involved humans.
BPA is known to imitate the hormone estrogen. Acting as an anti-androgen “substance that blocks hormone activity” BPA affects sexual development and processes, especially in developing fetuses, infants, and children. Professor David Melzer, a scientist at Exeter University previously described BPA as gender-bending, calling for BPA to undergo the same safety trials as emerging medications.
