Obesity and Diabetes Linked to BPA Exposure
More bad news has surfaced about chemicals including the controversial endocrine disruptor, BPA (bisphenol-A), which is facing an imminent FDA ruling on whether or not it warrants regulation in the U.S.
A new report out of the UK has found a connection between hormone disrupting chemicals and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes. The report, funded by the CHEM Trust (Chemicals, Health and Environmental Monitoring) reviewed more than 240 studies focused on the connection between chemicals including BPA, phthalates and BFRs (brominated flame retardants), along with chemicals, that while banned, are still found in the environment, such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl) and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon). The researchers concluded that compelling evidence exists to connect the chemicals’ abilities to affect appetite, the body’s fat storage and sugar regulating functions with the onset of diabetes and obesity, whether individuals are exposed in utero, during childhood development years or later in adult life.
Phthalates and BFRs are found in plastics, electronics, furniture and other household products. BPA has recently been banned or strictly regulated in countries including Canada, France and China over concerns for the risk to human health. It’s found in a number of products from children’s toys and bottles, to register receipts and the expoxy liners in canned sodas and foods. Campbell’s Soup recently announced that it would be removing BPA from its soup cans. And under pressure from consumer health advocacy groups, the FDA is set to announce its decision on whether to impose regulations on products containing BPA by the end of March.
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Image: colros
