PC/BPA-Group Plastics Europe has defended the use of BPA (Not Surprisingly). Here is an extract from their statement:
“Over the past several decades, BPA has been investigated extensively for potential health effects. This testing has been conducted by research institutes, academic laboratories, governmental institutes and industry laboratories. It has included studies with key relevant parameters, such as potential systemic toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reprotoxicity, hormonal activity, persistency, bioaccumulation, and potential effects on body weight, development and behaviour. The overwhelming weight of the evidence provided by the results of this testing demonstrates that BPA causes no significant health effects at any realistic exposure level and that polycarbonate and epoxy resin coated items used in food contact are safe when used as intended.”
Jasmin Bird, Manager Communications, PC/BPA-Group Plastics Europe
jasmin.bird@plasticseurope.org www.bisphenol-a-europe.org

Update 21st June:
Ulster Scientist calls for Bisphenol A ban
A scientist at the University of Ulster is warning that a chemical used in the manufacture of plastic bottles can trigger toxins which lead to cancer. Professor Anna Soto said a parallel had been established between the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and the occurrence of mammary cancer in rats. Professor Soto carried out her research with Professor Carlos Sonnenschein from Tufts University in Boston, USA. She discovered that foetal and neonatal exposure to the chemical increases the likelihood of development of malignant tumours later in life. Professor Soto said: “I would call for a banning of the use of BPA giving the growing evidence and increasing concerns that research has shown. The foetal and neonatal life are crucial for a child’s development and parents should consider the advantage of using BPA-free products.”
Source: BBC