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Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used to produce clear plastic and epoxy resins. BPA is used in plastic baby bottles, hard sports bottles. and metal food can liners which are lined with plastic to prevent a metallic taste in food.

Studies* show that low doses of BPA in animals cause breast and prostate cancer, reproductive problems, diabetes, impacts the immune system, and causes alterations of brain chemistry and behavioral changes such as ADHD and autism.

It’s hard to keep BPA out of your life. It is one of the most commonly used chemicals in commercial production, used to make polycarbonate plastics. Traces of the chemical now show up in most everyone’s body.

Where is BPA is found?

Of all foods tested, chicken soup, infant formula, and ravioli had BPA levels of highest concern. Just one to three servings of foods with these concentrations could expose a woman or child to BPA at levels that caused serious adverse effects in animal tests. Here is a list of items which contain BPA. However. due to the fact BPA is in s many products it is not a complete list:

• Polycarbonate bottles such as hard, clear plastic baby bottles and clear, sometimes tinted, plastic water bottles
• hard, clear plastic bowls, tableware, storage containers
• liners inside food and drink cans
• dental sealant to prevent cavities
• electronic equipment
• sports safety equipment
• medical devices
• sippy cups
• pet carriers
• spray-on flame retardants
• five gallon water cooler jugs
• Sunglasses
• Tupperware
• CDs
• DVDs
• Construction Glazing
• “Bulletproof Glass”
• Automobile Parts
• Blender carafes
• Food processors
• Food choppers

Plastic Baby Bottle comparisons:

The average amount of BPA leaching for each bottle when heated:

Dr. Brown -7.08 ng/ml

Evenflo - 6.26 ng/ml

Disney - 6.41 ng/ml

Gerber - 6.78 ng/ml

Avent -7.07 ng/ml

Playtex -4.92 ng/ml

To identify containers made of BPA look on the bottom. Polycarbonate plastic food and beverage containers that contain BPA, will be labeled with recycling symbol, number 7 inside a triangle, with the letters PC beside it. Not all containers with the #7 recycling symbol contain BPA and not all products that contain BPA are marked with the recycling symbol. For example, cans lined with BPA are not marked.

Ways to Limit Your Family's Exposure to BPA

Use glass baby bottles

Avoid canned baby formula: all U.S. manufacturers use BPA-based lining on the metal portions of the formula containers. If you must use formula, choose powered or liquid in plastic bottles.

Don't eat canned food if you are pregnant.

Buy in bottles, not cans. Many products, like tomato sauces, are available in bottles as well as cans. Look out for the white epoxy on the inside of the metal lid---it probably contains BPA.

Start cooking fresh food instead of just heating it.

Do not cook anything in plastic, such as cooking bags, or reheating food in any plastic container in the microwave

Getting rid of BPA means changes in corporate and governmnet policies.

Corporate Policy:

Manufacturers and retailers should immediately
phase out use of BPA-containing baby bottles in
favor of available, safer products.

State Policy

States should act quickly to adopt policies to
protect consumers and restrict BPA use in all
food and beverage containers, especially those
intended for use by pregnant women, infants,
and children.

Some companies act to keep babies safe

Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us , and Babies "R" Us say they will phase out baby bottles containing the chemical
BPA. Sears Canada, Rexall Pharmacies, London Drugs and Home Depot Canada Remove BPA Products from Shelves

Eastman Corporation has introduced a replacement for BPA, Tritan copolyester, however nothing is known bout safety test being done on this new chemical substitute.

Ask Congress to Act:

Demand BPA-free cans and food containers

Federal Policy

The Food and Drug Administration and
manufacturers of BPA-lined infant formula
cans should respond urgently and with full
disclosure to the landmark investigation by
Reps. Dingell/Stupak into the BPA leaching
from infant forumla cans. Rep. Dingell (D-MI)
is Chairman of the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) is
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations.

Champions at all levels of government
should work to reform America's outdated
chemical policies that are failing to protect
Americans from chemicals that are already
on the market and leaching from our con-
sumer goods into our food and water. The
federal law regulating industrial chemicals
is 30 years old. It is outdated and does not
work. BPA in baby bottles is one of
many examples of need to reform federal law
to protect consumers. The Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) must be amended to:

• – Require complete health and safety data
  on industrial chemicals and make data
  publicly available
• – Product manufacturers should be required
  to test and disclose the chemical contents
  of their products
• – Prohibit the use of dangerous chemicals
  in products, especially those targeted at
  infants and children
• – Arm consumers with useful information
  to make safer purchases
• – Provide information and technical re-
  sources to businesses so they can make
  products safe for consumers, and invest
  in green economic development to spur
  innovation in products that are safe for
  consumers

Bisphenol A ( BPA) is a chemical compound used to produce clear plastic and epoxy resins. BPA is used in plastic baby bottles, hard sports bottles and metal food can liners which are lined with plastic to prevent a metallic taste in food.

Studies* show that low doses of BPA in animals cause breast and prostate cancer, reproductive problems, diabetes, impacts the immune system, and causes alterations of brain chemistry and behavioral changes such as ADHD and autism.

The National Toxicology Program (NTP), which is part the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a recent report expressing concern about the high levels of BPA in humans and said it has "some concern" about the effects on BPA on pregnant women and young children.

What can I do to prevent exposure to BPA?

• Use baby bottles that are BPA free.
• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures.

• Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom (http://www.recyclenow.org/r_plastics.html) .

• Reduce your use of canned foods.

• When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.

Part II Coming May 10

A look at the controversy over BPA in the chemical community and the investigation into why U.S.agencies have been so slow to act to protect people from the harmful affects of BPA.

Canada became the first country in the world to act when Health Minister Tony Clement announced a plan to ban the import and sale of polycarbonate baby bottles containing BPA. Minister Clement warned parents still using the plastic baby bottles against the "common practice of sterilizing them with boiling water or adding boiling water to them for mixing formula". Heating the plastic causes BPA "to leach out and give an inadvertent dose of the chemical to children". He also warned pregnant women to minimize consumption of beverages from heated polycarbonate bottles

Concerning newborns and infants, he added. "We have concluded that early development is sensitive to the effects of bisphenol A. Although our science tells us that exposure levels to newborns and infants are below levels that cause effects, we believe the current safety margin needs to be higher."

Environmental Defence in Canada has expressed the most concern about canned foods,
stating that tin cans are not labeled with the symbol the number seven inside a triangle that marks water bottles containing BPA. Some studies have also shown tin can liners containing BPA break down more readily when they come into contact with fatty food such as fish and acidic food such as tomatoes and apple juice. It also breaks down more readily in the presence of alcohol.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of BPA in the 1960's according the agency spokesperson Mike Herndon.
Reps. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Bart Stupak (D-MI), Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, have initiated an investigation into (BPA). "There are serious health concerns about whether Bisphenol A is safe, not only for adults, but for children and infants," Dingell and Stupak wrote seven prominent manufacturers of baby food, as well as the Food and Drug Administration.

Mr. Hendorn said that the:

"FDA has been reviewing the emerging literature on Bisphenol A on a continuous basis. For example, FDA has recently completed a review of data concerning the biological fate of BPA and two recently completed multigeneration reproductive studies (one in the rat and one in the mouse.

FDA formed an agency-wide BPA task force to facilitate cross-agency review of current research and new information on BPA for all

FDA regulated products. As a result of this review, the task force will make recommendations to the Commissioner regarding next steps.

As part of the evaluation, the FDA Task Force is reviewing the concerns presented in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Draft Brief published recently by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. We also are reviewing the concerns presented in the Canadian draft risk assessment released in April 2008, and are coordinating closely with Health Canada
and the Canadian Ministry of the Environment and Minister of Health."

Sources:

vom Saal, FS, SM Belcher, LJ Guillette, R Hauser, JP Myers, GS Prins, WV Welshons, JJ Heindel et al. 2007. Chapel Hill Bisphenol A Expert Panel Consensus Statement: Integration of mechanisms, effects in animals and potential impact to human health at current exposure levels. Reproductive Toxicology, in press [PDF].

Bisphenol A causes hyperactivity in the rat concomitantly with impairment of tyrosine hydroxylase … M Ishido, Y Masuo, M Kunimoto, S Oka, M Morita - Journal of Neuroscience Research, 2004 - doi.wiley.com ... Whereas the cause of both ADHD and autism may be multifactorial, the potential effects of endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A on human neuronal functions ...

Perinatal exposure to bisphenol-A alters peripubertal mammary gland development in mice. [Endocrinology. 2005]
Exposure to environmentally relevant doses of the xenoestrogen bisphenol-A alters development of the fetal mouse mammary gland. [Endocrinology. 2007]

St. Patrick's Day Will Cost a Little More Green This Year

Costs for the Perfect St. Pat's Up 4% in 2008. Family fun free activities become more important than ever! Check out these free St. Patrick's Day crafts and money saving tips.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 34.7 million U.S. residents claim Irish Ancestry. This number is almost nine times the population of Ireland itself (4.2 million). No one celebrates like Americans who have a way of putting their own stamp on even those holidays that originated in other countries. This is never more true than on March 17 when we give our own peculiar salute to Saint Patrick.

From parades -- Boston's is the oldest, New York's the biggest, and Hot Springs, Arkansas' the shortest -- to the green rivers in Chicago and San Antonio, green beer in every pub and green hair on the truly enthusiastic, it's always a day to remember.

Working on the assumption that everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day, Tullamore Dew(R), the quintessential Irish whiskey that's known for its distinctive taste and smooth palate, tracks the cost of a truly fine St. Patrick's Day for all to enjoy. This year, the list of key items for a top-notch celebration shows that the party will cost a little more in 2008, with prices up 4%, more than a point over the national CPI for 2007 of 2.85%. (Costs were calculated for a day in New York City. Feel free to make your own hometown substitutions.)

2007 2008

Lucky Charms Cereal http://www.freshdirect.com/ 3.92 4.99

Classic Irish Fry Up Breakfast 15.00 15.00
(Fitzpatrick Hotel) to start the day

Kiss Me, I'm Irish Button from 1.99 1.99
http://www.cafepress.com/

Green Dura Felt Derby on 5.98 5.98
http://www.centurynovelty.com/

St. Patrick's Day Parade on Fifth Avenue Free Free

U-2's Greatest Hits -- Collector Box on 24.98 24.98
http://www.amazon.com/

Irish Coffee Glasses, each at 1.95 1.95
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/

Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner -- average 11.70 13.50
price from ten Irish pubs in New York

Green M&M's imprinted with "Erin Go Bragh" 11.50 11.50
(Per 7 oz. bag, minimum four bags per order) on
http://www.mymms.com/

"Slainte" T-Shirt (Gaelic for "Cheers") 17.99 17.99
from http://www.cafepress.com/

Taxi home from the pub 6.00 6.12
(Base Fare: $2.50+ .40 per mile)

Bottle of Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey -- 20.00 21.99
suggested retail price

Celebrating with all the trimmings in New York will set you back almost $126.00, up 4.11% over last year's $121.00. Wherever the celebration -- at home, by the side of a Kelly green river or in a local pub -- a mellow glass of Irish whiskey or an authentic Irish Coffee is certain to make the day complete. To wit, a final recipe suggestion:

Source: Tullamore Dew

Uncertain and too fearful, what happened to hope and progress and a better world for our kids

Imperial empire building by this administration has left us with poor international relationships and more hatred toward our people.

Depressing more Americans are suffering from depression than ever before, could the current state of the union be th cause?
According to the Health United States 2004 report, issued by the National Center for Health Statistics, the use of antidepressant drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft, has nearly tripled among all American adults.
Among women, one in 10 now take an antidepressant drug. The number of children using antidepressants also has tripled since the 1994-96 study period.

Moving too slow the economy, progress, going green, getting off oil, way too slow getting to the next election

Poorer more people live in poverty now that did 8 years ago

Tired of political bickering an no real action

Has a glimmer of hope we only have to get through the rest of 2008.
In 2009 there will be new leadership which we all hope will be better.

So get informed and cast your best vote:

Compare their positions on health here Health

Education: Comparison Presidential Candidates on Major Education Issues

Jobs: Career Trends

My vision is a world of compassion where caring for and empowering children and their families around the world is the first priority of nations. – Octavia Allis

From Mothers Acting Up

5 Questions to ask EVERY elected leader and candidate

Ask these questions whether you’re at a Town Meeting, a cookie drop off or on a Field Trip with fellow community members and a great raft of children. For more information: www.mothersactingup.org.

1. World leaders have committed themselves to the 8 Millennium Development Goals, the most universally agreed to framework for ending extreme poverty. Will you vote for full funding of our country’s promise to contribute .7 percent of our GNP to the Millennium Development Goals?

2. In order to address the growing threat of global warming, scientists tell us that we need to reduce global warming emissions by an average of 2 percent each year through the middle of the century – achieving 80 percent reductions by 2050. Do you have a plan to meet these or other targets? (source: www.heatison.org.)

3. Our military budget is as big as all other countries’ military budgets combined. Will you support shifting 15 percent of our military budget into preventative programs that provide human security, e.g. funding the health, education and safety of the world’s children? (Warning: This question may cause discomfort, squirming and/or drowsiness.)

4. What do you consider the most serious issue facing future generations? How are you addressing that issue?

5. Will you create a new issue page on your Web site dedicated to the Wellbeing of the World’s Children?

Voting

A critical element of Acting Up is VOTING. First step: make sure you, your friends & relations, your colleagues and the woman in front of you in the grocery line are registered to vote. Visit www.vote-smart.org to register and to get your hands on voter registration cards. Or go to www.rockthevote.org, if you’re really hip (you know you are). Pass out voter registration cards WHEREVER you go: ballgames, subways, school meetings, etc. The week before Election Day, get together with friends and discuss the candidates and the ballot issues. Don’t be shy about not knowing everything – that’s what questions are for. Remember to vote in your State's presidential Primary and on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, encourage EVERYONE TO VOTE! Offer rides, babysitting, your opinion and chocolate.

Our foremothers worked for more than 70 years for the privilege to vote. Honor their voices and the lives of the world’s children. Children need your vote, mothers.

Be an informed voter: Visit these Web sites for voter scorecards (how elected leaders have voted on issues relating to the Mother Agenda) and information on U.S. candidates: www.heatison.org, www.onevote08.org.