Plastics: The FDA = FAILED

From Grist.org:

Independent panel finds FDA conclusions on BPA flawed

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's finding earlier this year that the chemical bisphenol A is safe for use in food containers and other products is "not supported by the available data and science," according to an independent review panel tasked with examining the FDA's conclusions. The review panel found that "The margins of safety defined by FDA as 'adequate' are, in fact, inadequate," and that the FDA's whole approach to assessing BPA "creates a false sense of security" and "overlooks a range of potentially serious findings." Also, the studies dismissed by the agency in its assessment "raise additional and unsettling concern."

sources: Associated Press, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal

Wish List: EV Smart Car Unveiled In Paris

From Grist.org:

Automaker Daimler unveiled an all-electric version of its tiny Smart car at the Paris Auto Show this week, dubbed the Smart ED for its electric drive. Diesel-powered versions of the ultra-cute, ultra-compact Smart Fortwo went on sale in the United States this past January to wide acclaim. The company's goal is to have some 1,000 of the all-electric Smart Fortwo's in operation in various cities around the world by the end of 2009, with some available in the U.S. by 2012 at the latest. Daimler has been testing 100 or so of the Smart EDs in London since last year and has said it will also test 100 more in Berlin soon. The tiny Smart ED will be able to travel some 90 miles on a full charge and has a top speed of about 74 miles per hour.

Green: Well, You Don't Say...

From Grist.org:

White House Admits Humans Causing Climate Change...

"The White House has begrudgingly admitted that "most of the recent global warming is very likely due to human-generated increases in greenhouse-gas concentrations." In a 271-page report -- court-ordered and four years late -- federal scientists have created a "one-stop shop" summary of potential climate impacts on the U.S. environment, economy, and public health. The report predicts stop-us-if-you've-heard-this-one heat waves, water shortages, and severe weather (oh my!), and notes that "many of the expected health effects are likely to fall disproportionately on the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and the uninsured." It also foresees a high-cost expansion of electricity capacity. "It basically says the America we've known we can no longer count on," says biologist Thomas Lovejoy, who reviewed the document. "It's a pretty dramatic picture of all kinds of change rippling through natural systems across the country. And all of that has implications for people."

A couple of years ago I have a rather frustrating debate on this very topic with an uber-ignorant conservative peer who resides in my fairly conservative hometown in Central California.  So to that Knucklehead...I TOLD YOU SO, Sucka!!!  

Green: Say No Way to BPA!

Can I get an Amen and a Hallelujah!?

As a HUGE anti-plastics preacher I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am that word is FINALLY getting out to the masses (hey, 'some concern' is better than 'no concern') about the toxicity of 'food grade' plastics.  I've been annoying educating everyone I know about my concerns with plastics for YEARS now!  Dump your plastic water bottles for non-toxic alternatives such as a stainless steel Klean Kanteen, People!  And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not drink water out of those 5 gallon plastic containers that Arrowhead (and the like) delivers to your home and office!  Those bottles are made from plastic number 7 which is a MAJOR leacher of BPA.  And (while I'm on a roll here) NEVER heat your food in the microwave in any sort of plastic container.  Seriously, how much more convincing do you need?!  Or maybe you're cool with Prostate and Breast Cancer, hormonal imbalances, etc.(?!) 

And Bravo(!) to Health Canada for being the first regulatory body in the world to call Bisphenol A (BPA) a 'dangerous substance' this week!  w00t!

From Grist.org...

U.S. health agency says ubiquitous chemical may harm kiddos.

A U.S. federal agency has declared that there is "some concern" that chemical bisphenol A can harm the development of children's brains and reproductive systems. The National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, issued a draft report following up on an 18-month review of BPA. The agency reported more concern than was suggested by its advisory panel, which critics alleged was biased toward the chemical industry. BPA can seep from hard plastic beverage containers, including baby bottles, and was detected in the urine of 93 percent of participants in a recent study. In light of the NTP report, congressional Democrats are asking the Food and Drug Administration to reconsider its view that BPA is safe. Canada, for once not beating us to the punch, is expected to issue a similar warning about BPA soon.

sources: Los Angeles Times, Reuters, The Washington Post, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Associated Press
see also, in Grist: Umbra advises on plastic water bottles
see also, in Grist: A special series on parenting and health