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The Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Polymer

Polycarbonate polymer is a plastic material with many positive qualities. It is tough, durable, heat resistant and transparent. Polymer's many applications include shatterproof windows, eyeglass lenses and sports equipment. It is also found in water bottle, baby bottles, food containers and is in the lining of canned foods. Polycarbonate is made from bisphenol A (BPA) that disprupts human hormone function. Health-related issues are the main disadvantage of using polycarbonate.

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- Bisphenol A is a synthetic chemical compound that disrupts the endocrine system functions by imitating the hormone, estrogen. The endocrine system controls all the hormones and glands that govern brain development and the human reproductive system. Hormone disruptors, such as BPA, exaggerate, block or duplicate hormone responses, resulting in adverse effects on human growth and reproduction, and may be a source of behavioral problems. Polycarbonate leaches from products, such as bottles, when the product is microwaved, sterilized, boiled or washed.
Incidence
- Researchers F. vom Saal and C. Hughes at the Universities of Missouri and North Carolina reported in a paper published in 2005 that about 6.4 billion pounds of BPA is produced globally each year. leading to widespread human exposure. The study also states that apart from BPA leaching through the domestic cleaning and heating process, significant amounts enter the ecosystem from landfill sites. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that BPA is present in the urine of 95 percent of American's tested for its presence, and this is consistent with findings in other countries.
Side Effects
- Because BPA mimics estrogen, women may suffer more side effects. According to the vom Saal and Hughes study, there is a relationship between blood levels and body fat in women, and Japanese study cited by them also shows a relationship between BPa and ovarian disease. The study also indicates that BPA may adversely affect thyroid functions, which can produce a range of symptoms including hyperactivitiy. Prostate problems are also associated with BPA, as is a low sperm count and reproductive problems in women.
Alternatives
- Look out for products labeled "PC,"; this indiactes they are made of polycarbonate. Children are at risk through the use of plastic bottles and feeder cups. A number of manufacturers are making BPA-free baby products using glass, polyethylene or polypropylene. Reduce usage of canned foods and look for glass bottled vegetables. If you are using polycarbonate bottles and containers, limit the exposure to heat. For example, don't heat baby formula in the baby bottle in the microwave. Heat the milk in a non-plastic container and pour it into the baby bottle when it has cooled.

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