A British study shows that one of the contributing factor to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver-enzyme abnormalities come from the products we use every day, including plastic bottles, cans and paper receipts. This is because a compound called bisphenol A (also known as BPA) had been used for the production of the products mentioned above, which is a compound that not only hurt development of prostate and brain but also has a negative effect on our hearts.
BPA belongs to
BPA belongs to a broad class of compounds called endocrine disruptors, which have effects on male and female development as well as cause cancer, thyroid disease and cardiovascular disease. BPA itself is capable of affecting the hearts of women and permanently damaging the DNA of mice.
Experiments had been
Experiments had been conducted to show how BPA affect unborn pups. For the purpose of experiment, some mice were exposed to BPA. It turned out that even though they had only a brief exposure to the compounds during pregnancy, mice exposed to these compounds as a foetus carried these changes throughout their lives. BPA changes DNA through a process called epigenethics, which is a process where chemicals attach itself to the DNA and change its function. Study also shows that BPA have a more obvious effect on the heart cells of female mice, sending them into an uneven beating pattern called arrhythmia. This is because BPA interacts with estrogen, which is a hormone commonly found in woman’s body.
Tests Conducted On
Although tests conducted on monkeys show that monkey’s body clears BPA quickly, tests also show that most people have high levels of BPA in their blood, which indicates that they are being repeatedly exposed to BPA.
Most Plastic Products
Although it is confirmed that most plastic products are believed to leach BPA, it is now suspected that there must be other hidden sources regarding to where BPA comes from. Before these hidden sources are identified, what consumers can do to protect themselves from BPA is to lessen the usage of plastic products. Use paper bags instead of plastic bags when shopping. It might be a little inconvenient in the beginning as we are so used to plastic products in our daily lives but it is definitely worthwhile for the sake of our health.