Chemical concerns
As I write this, Health Canada is expected to be preparing a statement designating the plastic additive Bisphenol A, a “toxic and dangerous” chemical. It’s already classified as a hormone disrupter which means it has been shown in studies to contribute to changes to prostate and breast cells and possibly make them more susceptible to cancer.
Environmental activists have been calling for a ban on BPA for years. They say infants and very young children are most at risk from the compound leaking out of vessels like baby bottles.
So where do you look for it in your home and how do you tell if you have it? It’s in everyday plastic products including soup cans, plastic water containers, plastic wrap and baby bottles.
One way you can tell if a product contains BPA, is if it’s marked with recycling code #7. However, not all products containing BPA have this marking.
Experts advise avoiding BPA by choosing products that are packaged in glass or stainless steel. Hard plastic containers made without BPA can be found at health and organic food stores. Choose pop and soup and other foods in glass instead of tins, when you can.
Several major retailers including Canadian Tire, Hudson’s Bay Company and Forzani Group have already removed the products from their inventories in anticipation of Health Canada’s report.
At 680News, we’re watching this story closely, with the health of our families in mind.