Most often Health Canada and other federal regulators of the foods and drugs used in this country take their approvals cue from the larger, better-funded U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
But when it comes to the chemical bisphenol-A or BPA, Health Canada was taking the lead. BPA is most often used as an additive to plastics to make them hard. Sports water bottles and baby bottles often had BPA in them. But many researchers say that prolonged exposure to BPA can cause cancer and other health problems.
Health Canada said back in April it is not worried about the risk to adults from exposure to BPA but it does have some concerns about infants. It is near the end of a commenting period for any further action it ought to take.
Now, the Washington Post reports today that the U.S. FDA has chimed in and declared BPA to pose no threat to human health:
FDA Draft Report: No Risk From BPA In Food Containers
Some stores are stocking water bottles that do not contain bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most widely used synthetic chemicals.A controversial chemical commonly found in can linings, baby bottles and other household products does not pose a health hazard when used in food containers, according to a draft assessment released by the Food and Drug Administration yesterday.
The report stands in contrast to more than 100 studies performed by government scientists and university laboratories that have found health concerns associated with bisphenol A (BPA). Some studies have linked the chemical to prostate and breast cancers, diabetes, behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity and reproductive problems in laboratory animals.