Bisphenol A was first synthesized in 1905 and since the 1930’s there have been health concerns over BPA and animal consumption. BPA, due to its estrogenic activity in the body, was expected by the pharmaceutical industry to be used as an estrogen replacement medication in humans.
Then when it was tested, it was deemed too deadly and dangerous for human medical usage. This information didn’t stop capitalism and a new use for BPA was found in the plastic industry. BPA has become a prominent and very important chemical to the plastic manufacturing process. The global production of BPA is around 3 million tons annually. This annual production accumulates in the environment and our bodies causing and promoting disease.
It is interesting that a chemical that was found to be too hazardous for human consumption in the medical field was then added to almost every food container in the USA for everyone to be exposed to. BPA has been seeping into our food and bodies from plastic wraps, plastic bottles, dental sealants, the inner epoxy coating of cans, etc, providing the population with a chronic low dose exposure.
This chronic exposure has been shown to increase cancer rates in animals and in humans it has been linked to a number of diseases, decreased semen in males, and found to effect chemotherapy.
BPA blocks the ability of chemotherapy to kill breast cancer cells.
A medical research study from early 2009 showed that concentrations of BPA, comparable to those found in the bodies of the general public, decreased chemotherapies effectiveness to kill breast cancer cells. The ability of BPA to block chemotherapies kill rate has to do with BPA’s high binding affinity to estrogen receptors on the cancer cells. BPA blocked the effects of the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cisplatin, and vinblastine in the study.
BPA is just one of the 100’s of toxic chemicals that pollute our bodies. Take the time to become educated on how to protect yourself and your family from unnecessary exposures.
Start today by taking simple steps:
* Don’t put plastic in the microwave
* Use stainless steal, wood, or glass cooking and eating utensils
* Eat organic food when possible
* Take your shoes off in the house
* Don’t buy canned foods
Dr. Garrett Wdowin
Dr. Garrett Wdowin is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Bodhi Body Integrative Medical Centers. Dr. Wdowin is a licensed Naturopathic physician who specializes in environmental medicine, specifically chronic disease and its relationship with environmental toxins. Dr. Wdowin is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the American College for Advancement in Medicine. Dr. Wdowin received his BA from Brown University, his medical degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and has spent the last few years working in the valley with an integrated team of D.O.'s, N.D.'s, and an M.D.(H).
Latest posts by Dr. Garrett Wdowin (see all)
- Breast Thermography – A “Heated” Discussion About Your Breasts - November 27, 2009
- Why All the Fuss About Bisphenol A (BPA)? - October 26, 2009
- Breast Cancer and your Environment: There is a Connection. - October 7, 2009
