There is bad news for asthma and food allergy sufferers. It looks like the chemical lobbyists may just have gotten to the Obama administration: federal regulators have delayed action on Bisphenol A (BPA). Notes from the most recent meeting with the American Chemistry Council indicate that the industry said that BPA should not be subject to greater regulation.

Bisphenol A is a component of some plastics. It has been shown to leach into food and drink, particularly when the plastic is heated. BPA has been linked by hundreds of studies to a wide variety of health conditions, from cancer and obesity to hyperactivity and asthma. Studies also show links to allergy. Recent research shows that BPA turns up in urine samples for 93 per cent of people tested. Perhaps the most problematic use of BPA is for beverage and food cans, where it can leach into what we eat and drink.

However, industry lobbyists focused on studies – largely paid for by the chemical industry – which downplay the negative affects of the chemical. At issue are the profits. BPA can be found throughout the average household. Reduction of BPA use would severely impact many plastics producers.

Lisa Jackson, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been talking tough with regards to BPA in particular. Many consumer advocate groups, including the Environmental Working Group, have been publicizing the problematic nature of BPA and were heartened by her tough stance. But the latest list of chemicals from the EPA that will face stricter labeling and reporting requirements did not include BPA.

The EPA is now saying that it will not move on tougher regulations for BPA for at least two years.

Source: JSOnline