In a letter published in the Independent newspaper last Thursday (8 April), a coalition of scientists from universities in the US, Britain and Italy argued that, by not banning Bisphenol A (BPA) plastics, which have also been linked to heart disease, obesity and hyperactivity, Britain is failing to protect the public's health. Campaigners want the chemical banned from any plastic used in baby bottles or baby food containers, amid a growing body of research suggesting it is harmful.
The letter coincides with the publication of four new scientific studies, which found more evidence of potentially damaging effects in BPA. The letter, from toxicologists and cancer specialists studying the effects of BPA, said, 'To protect vulnerable populations, it would be both prudent and precautionary in public health terms if products containing BPA used for baby and children's food and liquid packaging in the UK were withdrawn. BPA should be replaced by less hazardous substances. This requires action by both government and industry.'
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