Bisphenol-A Contributes to Disruption in the Endocrine System
Tara Paterson
January 13, 2009
Bisphenol- A, a synthetic compound believed to be the chief culprit in contaminating water found in plastic bottles is also believed to be a factor in the healthy function of our endocrine system.
These artificial chemicals that are known to influence the endocrine system are everywhere and are responsible for making our plastic products softer and easier to handle, our cosmetic creams and lotions smoother and longer-lasting, and our clothes and furnishings inflammable. They are used in clothing dye (especially denim), cars and computer casings, Teflon coatings, and disinfectant bleaches. They are carried throughout the atmosphere by the burning of industrial waste and leach into groundwater from landfills. A CDC report from July 2005 found that the bodies of Americans of all ages contain an average of 148 synthetic chemicals.
So how does this affect the body?
The endocrine system is the communication network in the body that is responsible for balancing hormones. This communication system also involves the function of the organs and how they work together. An endocrine disruptor is a synthetic compound such as Bisphenol- A that mimics a natural hormone when it is absorbed by the body. These "disruptors" interfere with the natural hormonal function which can alter normal hormone levels, trigger excessive action, or completely block a natural response.
So what changes can be made to eliminate the increased levels of synthetic chemicals in our body?
Start by eliminating certain plastics. The safest plastics are marked with the recycling codes 2 ,4 and 5.
Donīt let infants chew on soft plastic toys
Never microwave food in a plastic bowl or covered in plastic wrap. A good rule of thumb is that the softer the plastic, the more chemicals.
Buy in bulk and store foods in glass jars.
Reuse hard plastic tubs.
Limit use of plastic bags and wrap.
Evaluate your reliance on plastics and try to reduce it by five. For example: Use a stainless steel water bottle instead of reusing a plastic one (visit www.Cynergreen.com for a selection of affordable stainless steel water bottles). Invest in glass food storage containers that can be washed and reused, something I did this holiday season. Each small adjustment will have an enormous impact both locally and globally!
These artificial chemicals that are known to influence the endocrine system are everywhere and are responsible for making our plastic products softer and easier to handle, our cosmetic creams and lotions smoother and longer-lasting, and our clothes and furnishings inflammable. They are used in clothing dye (especially denim), cars and computer casings, Teflon coatings, and disinfectant bleaches. They are carried throughout the atmosphere by the burning of industrial waste and leach into groundwater from landfills. A CDC report from July 2005 found that the bodies of Americans of all ages contain an average of 148 synthetic chemicals.
So how does this affect the body?
The endocrine system is the communication network in the body that is responsible for balancing hormones. This communication system also involves the function of the organs and how they work together. An endocrine disruptor is a synthetic compound such as Bisphenol- A that mimics a natural hormone when it is absorbed by the body. These "disruptors" interfere with the natural hormonal function which can alter normal hormone levels, trigger excessive action, or completely block a natural response.
So what changes can be made to eliminate the increased levels of synthetic chemicals in our body?
Start by eliminating certain plastics. The safest plastics are marked with the recycling codes 2 ,4 and 5.
Evaluate your reliance on plastics and try to reduce it by five. For example: Use a stainless steel water bottle instead of reusing a plastic one (visit www.Cynergreen.com for a selection of affordable stainless steel water bottles). Invest in glass food storage containers that can be washed and reused, something I did this holiday season. Each small adjustment will have an enormous impact both locally and globally!