Bisphenol A, an endocrine disruptor in the hot seat
On May 9, the Minister for Sustainable Development, Ségolène Royal, visited stores that had eliminated the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in their food containers, or even in their receipts, in order to promote these initiatives. industries conducive to human health and the environment.
This encouragement from the Minister to limit the exposure of populations and the environment to this substance as quickly as possible follows the recent launch of the national strategy against endocrine disruptors (dated April 29, 2014).
Indeed, the scientific community is increasingly concerned about the impacts of chemical pollutants, including the famous bisphenol A, on human health, since they are considered endocrine disruptors (ED).
What are ‘PE’s?
These are polluting molecules that will modify the production, or the action of hormones in the body. Remember that hormones are messengers circulating in the body, and are produced by so-called “endocrine” glands such as the pancreas, the thyroid, the testicles in men or the ovaries in women… These messengers serve as a “system of communication” between the organs.
Among the adverse effects of endocrine disruptors, we find fertility disorders (especially in men), cancers, but also the development of obesity or diabetes . While we know the explosion of these two chronic diseases over the past ten years (obesity has practically doubled in ten years), and how many public health measures are harped on about the balanced diet, the question of the responsibility of chemical pollutants on these non-contagious epidemics begins to arise seriously.
Measures announced
In the measures announced by the Minister, we can note the confirmation of the prohibition of bisphenol A in all materials in contact with food from January 1, 2015 . Note that in addition to this confirmation, there is also the ban on bisphenol A in receipts (which is new).
France seems to be proactive on the subject: it was on its initiative that a European directive banned the use of BPA in the manufacture of baby bottles in June 2010.
To help our consumers see things more clearly, Ségolène Royal also proposed the creation of a “bisphenol-free” label, so that the manufacturers who have made this effort can be recognized for their actions.
Finally, one last good news for parents, the Minister wishes to accelerate the substitution of the bisphenol contained in the toys put on sale on the French market… Studies tend to prove that children are more exposed to the risks of endocrine disruptors, so when they are Whether it’s baby bottles, packaging and food containers for children under 3, or toys… safety comes first!
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.