Bisphenol A: Will mainstream media pick up on this story?

Bisphenol A (or BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturer of plastics; everything from baby formula containers to computer keyboards and the liners to every can made in the United States. Over 150 independent, peer-reviewed scientific studies with no connection to industry or government have shown this chemical to affect the reproductive systems in lab animals. In other words, there are a lot of smart people out there who think this chemical might cause breast cancer, testicular cancer, miscarriages, diabetes and a host of other problems. The United States Congress passed a bill in the 90’s, which President Clinton signed into law, mandating that the EPA test BPA and many other chemicals used in everyday production, for possible health affects. The EPA has just barely started this process, 11 years later.

Thanks to Bill Moyers for bringing this issue to our attention, but it was first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after months of exhaustive research, interviews and significant stonewalling by the EPA, FDA, industry titans and lobbyists.

Here is an excerpt from Moyers’ program:

These reporters and editors deserve our thanks for bringing to light this issue and hopefully changing the tide in coverage of BPA and its effects. Canada, the EU and California have recently taken steps to ban BPA in baby food containers, however that is only the first step that needs to be taken. Let’s hope the national media decides this is an important enough issue to actually report on.

The Bill Moyers piece can be found here.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s reporting can be found here.

There are many other resources available in the comments section of both stories and by simply Googling “Bisphenol A.” One of the more important ones might be pertaining to the avoidance of BPA (as much as possible, at least).