That's Fit

As Bethany reported yesterday, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) is raising a red flag over the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) used in polycarbonate plastics. BPA is commonly found in hard plastic water bottles (e.g., Nalgene), plastic baby bottles, canned foods, dental sealants and other products. Unless you're living off the land and drink directly from a well, it's pretty much stuff we all use. BPA is connected with precancerous tumors, urinary problems and early puberty in animals. It's a known endocrine disrupter.

After hearing NTP's report I wondered, "What's happening over at Health Canada?" I previously reported the Canadian government's chemical review program has been testing BPA -- and in a surprising move last December, Canada's Mountain Equipment Co-Op (kinda like our country's REI) swept BPA-containing food and beverage containers off their shelves. That bold move garnered serious public attention. It prompted me to run out and purchase two BPA-free water bottles.

According to this NYT article, the word on the street is Canada is likely poised to declare BPA a toxic chemical. Rick Smith, the director of Environmental Defence, a Canadian group advocating against BPA, succinctly stated, "If the government issues a finding of toxic, no parent in their right mind will be using products made with this chemical." The tidal wave against BPA is growing -- over the last couple days major Canadian retailers such as Sears, Home Depot and Wal-Mart have removed some BPA-containing items from their shelves. I suspect lobbying for the removal of BPA, and staying away from the chemical until it's forced out of products, will be a no-brainer for many Canadians. Is America next?