Possible Link between BPA and Higher Obesity Rates

Last month, Fox News published information about a recent study linking exposure to BPA and higher risk of obesity in girls between the ages of 9 and 12. Bisphenol A has long been associated with other potential health risks, but the new study of over 1,300 children found that females with higher levels of BPA in their urine had a greater risk of being overweight.  Interestingly, the same phenomenon was not seen in the boys tested.

BPA is a chemical that has been produced for use in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It has come under scrutiny by health officials and the media in recent years due to concerns about its use in some food and beverage packaging that can leach into the food items. It is also found in some medical devices and water supply pipes.

For most people, the primary source of exposure to BPA is through their diet. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “Bisphenol A can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. The degree to which BPA leaches from polycarbonate bottles into liquid may depend more on the temperature of the liquid or bottle, than the age of the container. BPA can also be found in breast milk.” Workers who manufacture products that contain BPA can also be exposed. 

One company that has been at the forefront of testing for BPA in foods and beverages is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL is able to test for BPA to help determine if the chemical is leaching into foods and beverages,” reported Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A number of packaging manufacturers now offer products that are labeled as being free of BPA and EMSL also provides container testing for these companies.”

EMSL has sponsored an online video about BPA that can be seen at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5TygaVe5Oc

To learn more about testing for BPA in foods and packaging or other food testing services, please visit: www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com