The Canadian Medical Association Journal recently released an alarming study highlighting the prevalence of BPA in the American body. Comparing data from a host of countries including Germany, Japan, Korea, China, the Netherlands, the United States and Canada; the levels of BPA found in the US were the highest among every age group including young children and adolescents.  

 BPA or bisphenol-A is a chemical that can be found in a wide range of products we use such as reusable plastic food containers, baby bottles, and children’s toys. There are a variety of health problems linked to BPA including developmental and reproductive problems such as obesity and infertility.  With over 3 million tons produced each year, it is one of the most manufactured chemicals worldwide. 

 On paper Americans and Canadians have similar lifestyles and eating habits, yet Americans have more than double the amount of BPA detected in some age groups.

 “The comparison between concentrations measured among Canadians and Americans are particularly interesting because these two populations are often thought of as demographically similar. Surprisingly, for each group that was analyzed, the concentrations found among Canadians were about half those found in Americans” says Dr. Laura Vandenberg, author of the Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology at Tufts University in Medford, Mass.

 With growing concern among Americans to the dangers of BPA hopefully we can follow Canada’s example.