This happened two days ago and I had to read about it in the New York Times. Who cares. This is BIG. HUGE in fact. The Canadian Government has become one of the first countries to declare that the chemical Bisphenol A (aka BPA) is toxic to the environment and to human health.
Commonly used to create clear hard plastic and the liners of food cans, there is strong scientific evidence to support the fact that BPA is an 'endocrine disruptor' which means it can harm the human reproductive system, causing malformations, infertility and cancer. Two years ago the Canadian government banned producers from adding BPA to bottles and other items used by infants. The ban had far reaching effects however and water bottles containing BPA were yanked from store shelves faster than you can say 'bad karma'.
Almost every time I see him, my brother-in-law, Ward, asks me how BPA can still be present in the liners of food cans. Well Ward, you may be able to stop asking that question soon. My hope is that with this new designation the media hailstorm that led to the now ubiquitous 'BPA-Free' labels on most adult water bottles will yield the same results for food cans and other packaging.
The designation of BPA as toxic is wonderful news and, unfortunately, only the tip of the ice berg. There are so many chemicals that come into our homes and air through cleaners, furniture and personal care products. The fact that our government stood up to what I can only imagine was a vigorous and VERY well financed chemical lobby to make this pronouncement has me, well, almost speechless. And very hopeful.
Signed, One Proud Canadian
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