Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British researchers have linked a chemical used in many everyday items to human illness. Here are some facts about the chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA.
* BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastic, a clear shatter-resistant material used in baby and water bottles, lenses, helmets, goggles, plastic utensils and dishes, toys, CDs, DVDs, and medical devices. It is used to coat in the coating in most food and beverage cans and in dental fillings.
* There has been controversy over whether it is harmful to human health. People can consume trace amounts of BPA when it leaches out of plastic into liquid such as baby formula, water or food inside a container.
* The chemical mimics the hormone oestrogen in the body. Consumer advocates and environmentalists have argued based on studies involving laboratory animals that it is harmful.
* The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's top food safety body have said current evidence indicates BPA is safe as currently used. Canadian health authorities have announced plans to ban some products. The U.S. National Toxicology Program has "some concern" it may harm development of the prostate and brain.
* Tuesday's Journal of the American Medical Association report found that Americans with the highest levels of BPA in their bodies were more likely to have cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities.
* Studies have shown that BPA is in the urine of more than 90 percent of people in the United States.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments