Families Online Magazine

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]

Bisphenol A (also known as BPA) has been linked to breast and prostate cancer, reproductive problems, diabetes and alteration of brain chemistry and behavioral changes. It is used in many household products, including plastic baby bottles, hard plastic sports bottles and metal food cans, which are often lined with plastic to prevent a metallic taste in food.

A New Safe Alternative for Parents Concerned About Plastic Sippy Cups, The Safe Sippy(TM) Drink Cup, to Arrive in Stores in June

LOS ANGELES, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- As the new report from the federal National Toxicology Program continues to raise questions about the effects of bishpenol A -- or BPA -- on young children, parents are turning to new products to avoid the risks. Among the alternatives to have recently entered the market, none have been as eagerly sought out as The Safe Sippy(TM) drink cup. This new, state-of-the-art beverage container has been so popular since introduction last year that supplies have been difficult to maintain.

Kid Basix, the company behind The Safe Sippy(TM) drink cup, is preparing to re-launch the product in early June, and a continuous flow of stock will now be found on store shelves nationwide. The cup is made of clean, lightweight, medical-grade stainless steel and plastics certified or tested free of bisphenol A, phthalates and DEHA.

As an added bonus, The Safe Sippy(TM) drink cup has a sleek, modern design and is available in great shades of pink, blue and green. The spout is intentionally shaped like a straw, because research has shown that this design is better for the physical and speech development of young mouths. Since the cup is made of steel, the colorful protective sleeve was added to provide insulation against cold liquids and act as a cushion to protect the cup (and other objects) from denting and banging.

The Safe Sippy was launched in Las Vegas at the 2007 ABC Kid's Expo, the nation's largest children's product trade show. It retails for $14.95 and will be available at a growing number of retailers and specialty boutiques in the United States and Canada in June. For retail locations and more information about the engineering of this safe alternative to traditional sippy cups, visit http://www.thesafesippy.com/.

Source: The Safe Sippy Drink Cup

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.