I especially take interest in new compounds added to the food supply.
Many times ingredients that get bad publicity are removed and replaced with something that sells better, because it sounds healthier.
That doesn’t always mean the newer item is better for us than the one it’s trying to replace.
Disturbingly, one example is cancer-causing BPA in plastic bottles was replaced with the potentially dangerous compound BPS.
Even worse, marketing efforts of manufacturers can hide this information from all of us.
BPA
Recently, plastic manufacturers stopped using BPA in their products after it was found to have damaging effects on the human endocrine system.
Bisphenal A is a component used to strengthen plastics, from drink cups to water bottles.
After it was linked to an increase in breast and prostate cancer, this led producers to seek alternate chemicals such as Bisphenal S (BPS).
Companies who previously used BPA state their products are now safe after switching to BPS.
However, a UCLA-led study published in Endocrinology journal suggests otherwise.
BPS Isn’t Safer
Researchers found that zebra fish suffered the same harmful effects with BPA and BPS.
These fish are used to conduct studies in genetics and embryonic development, as their skins enable a better view at the changes taking place.
“Our research shows that making plastic products with BPA alternatives does not necessarily leave them safer,” said Nancy Wayne from UCLA.
“Our findings are frightening, consider it the aquatic version of the canary in the coal mine.”
“Egg-hatching time accelerated, leading to premature birth,” said Wayne.
“The embryos developed much faster than normal in the presence of BPA or BPS.”
The team said, although this is conjecture at this stage, endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be responsible for the spike in premature human birth and puberty in the US in the last two decades.
“Our data supports that hypothesis,” Wayne said.
“If BPA is impacting a wide variety of animal species, it’s likely to be affecting human health too.”
BPA Free?
Products that are ‘BPA-free’ are all over the market, down every grocery aisle and on every shelf.
The problem with removing one toxin and replacing it with another means consumers struggle to find a safe alternative.
Additional studies show that items which include BPA replacement chemicals released even more damaging compounds.
The amount increases when in direct sunlight, so be sure to never drink from a bottle left in a hot car.
The safest option is to avoid plastics altogether.
Finally, glass is the best alternative.
While it’s heavier, there’s a number of options that may be more beneficial to adults and children alike.
David L. Edwards is an author, Chinese medicine physician and acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine. David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness health programs.
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