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Bisphenol-A Explained

               by Joanne Carr, RHN, BA


               About Bisphenol-A

                      Bisphenol A is one of the most widely used synthetic substances in the world
                      It is added to polycarbonates for improved flexibility
                      There are no domestic BPA (Bisphenol A) manufacturing plants; Canadian companies must
                       import BPA

               Current Situation

                      Bisphenol A has become controversial because it mimics estrogen and thus could induce
                       hormonal responses.
                      Although BPA is in hundreds of products, from the plastic lenses of glasses to the coverings of
                       compact discs and DVDs, the uses that have caused controversy are those such as plastic baby
                       bottles or lacquer linings inside tin cans, which allow it to come into contact with food and
                       beverages.
                      According to the Environment Defence, an environmental organization, Bisphenol A is a hormone
                       disruptor. The group claims that studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as:
                       permanent changes to the genital tract; increased prostate weight; decline in testosterone; breast
                       cells predisposed to cancer; and hyperactivity.

               Identification of Plastics

               There are 7 classes of plastics used in packaging applications. Type 7 is the catch-all "other" class, and
               some type 7 plastics, such as polycarbonate (sometimes identified with the letters "PC" in or near the
               recycling symbol) and epoxy resins, are made from bisphenol A monomer. Type 3 (PVC) can also contain
               bisphenol A as an antioxidant in plasticizers. Types 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), 5 (polypropylene), and
               6 (polystyrene) do not use bisphenol A during polymerization or package forming, and thus will not leach
               bisphenol A into food or beverages.

               Omega Alpha’s Safe Packaging Practices

               In order to alleviate any doubt, not all “plastics” contain Bisphenol-A. At Omega Alpha we use only
               Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, which are both safe
               when in contact with food and/or liquid products. Just turn the bottle upside down to view the recycling
               symbol with #1 or 2 inside.

               With over 10 years experience in the holistic health field, Joanne Carr R.H.N., B.A., is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who has
               lectured at natural health product seminars for retailers and consumers across Canada. She also contributes to various natural
               health publications.




                       OASIS is an acronym for Omega Alpha Scientific Institute of Supplements
                           A division of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc., Toronto, Canada












               Bisphenol-A Explained  © 2008 Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc.                       OASIS08013
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