Plastics without the bad stuff are still targeting your reproductive system.
Have you ever wondered how scientists discovered that Bisphenol A, (BPA), is so bad for us?
Apparently, it was all a happy accident. About 20 years ago, a research team from Washington State University found that mice living in plastic cages in their labs had an increase in chromosomally abnormal eggs. The differences were being caused by BPA that was leaching out of the plastic and being absorbed by their little subjects.
And so, change came. Following this news, companies sprang into action. New-and-improved BPA-free water bottles, cups, squishy toys, baby stuff, dog toys flew on the shelves. Everything that was miles and miles away from these contaminants, and full of all that’s safe.
Or, so we thought. If you’ve been avoiding products containing BPA and considering yourself protected, you may now want to think twice.
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According to a study published by Cell Press, we’ve just been kidding ourselves. The stuff we’re using to replace BPA now appears to cause the same problems as BPA itself.
The same team of scientists for Washington State University says they’ve discovered that the array of alternative bisphenols replacements are no good.
The organic synthetic compounds have been found to cause problems in the production of both eggs and sperm.
And the scariest part is this: researchers say that even if BPA contaminants were entirely eliminated, these reproductive problems would still persist for about 3 generations.
The current advice? BPA-free or not, “plastic products that show physical signs of damage or aging cannot be considered safe.”
So, grab a metal water bottle and some of those reusable lunch tins, and count yourself lucky. Or, just eat out at your local restaurant next time you’re out. And make sure they have china plates.
Photo credits: monticello/Shutterstock.com
