More cause for concern

Bisphenol A is a chemical substance used widely around this planet in food and drink packaging, as it is a common component in many widely used plastics, including those used for bottled water. It a a basic monomer used in polycarbonates, and is also utilised in polyesters and polyether ketones. At one time it was actually used as an anti-oxidant in foodstuffs, so those of us a little longer in the tooth have probably eaten it for years, because it had always been regarded as having a low acute toxicity. It is still used in the products used to line the insides of canned foods so there is still a potential direct food contamination possible from this source.

So why the concern? Again from RedOrbit, it appears that Bisphenol A mimics oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone. A quick web search finds that some research also suggests Bisphenol A is potentially carcinogenic and may be linked to breast cancer, could be a cause of lower sperm counts, and it has even been linked to Schizophrenia.

Yes, there are a lot of 'may' and 'could' words in there, but whilst the Canadian Gov appears to be doing something about it, as in a major revue of the chemical and its possible effects on humans, I'll bet our Gov does nothing for years!

Addendum:
More on this story and the effects the information has had on the plastic bottled water industry from the Financial Post.

Just maybe, perhaps, .....

... Dubbya is finally taking notice? Another from RedOribit.

I don't think I'll be convinced until I've seen an official announcement.

Addendum:
More on this from ADVFN.

More on sea levels ......

..... from RedOrbit, and quite worrying it is too.

"According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average rise in global sea levels will be 28 to 43 centimeters (1 – 1.4 feet) by 2100. However, according to a new scientific analysis this predicted number is substantially low, and sea levels could actually rise by nearly one and a half meters (almost 5 feet) in that same time frame."

Yes, I know it contains that nasty little word 'could', but bearing in mind that a one metre rise (let alone 1.5 metres) would put millions at risk, that's quite a cause for concern, especially to countries like Bangladesh.

"Eighty to 90% of Bangladesh is within a meter or so of sea level, so if you live in the Ganges delta you're in a lot of trouble; and that's an awful lot of people."