BISPHENOL A (BPA) EXPOSURE & RISK OF DEATH

Many of us know that the ubiquitous chemical bisphenol A (BPA) found in plastics and epoxy resins is endocrine- disrupting, and is clearly antithetical to good health. In a recently-released cohort study of 3,883 adults in the United States, subjects with the highest urinary levels of this chemical had a higher risk of death over a 10 year period.

Those with the highest levels had a 49% increased risk of all-cause mortality, and a 46% increased risk of cardiovascular risk mortality.

This news is hardly unexpected given the populace of plastics in our lives. We are not just talking about the obvious plastics, but also many commonly used consumer products such as compact discs, medical devises, and dental sealants and composites. 

Endocrine-disrupters, such as BPA disrupt our hormonal balance and can lead to obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Exposure to BPA can accelerate coronary heart disease, and induce cardiac arrhythmias. 

The news is not good. We clearly need to limit the use of plastics and do a better job of recycling.  Moreover, we certainly need and deserve a government that works for the people, and who earnestly endeavors to protect us from environmental hazards.

You can read the original article from JAMA Network clicking HERE.