A Call For A Ban on BPA
Bisphenol A, better known as BPA, is a chemical that is added in the production of some types of plastics. They can be found in products such as baby bottles, water and juice bottles, dental devices, and packaging for medical products. BPA has been used in plastic products since 1957, and surprisingly, today over 8 billion pounds are still being used as of 2011.
A number of scientific studies have indicated that there could very likely be a link between exposure to BPA and developmental disorders in children. When infant milk and food is warmed in BPA plastic containers, it is absorbed into the body. This danger also applies to adults. BPA is absorbed into the body and over time can cause increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and disruption of hormone activity. Fortunately some states have enacted laws that ban the use of BPA in infant bottles and other products used by children. Many companies have stopped manufacturing products using BPA.
Potential problems regarding the use of BPA
Social media has been successful in exposing the dangers of using products containing BPA. This has resulted in consumer s filing lawsuits against manufacturers and convincing the government to ban the chemical in plastics food containers. The publicity has resulted in some companies voluntarily removing BPA from their plastic containers. Some good news --studies of water samples have been conducted in Louisiana. The findings showed that significant amounts of BPA could not be found in bodies of water or in water treatment plants.
Personal injury and product liability
When dealing with injury caused by harmful products, there are a number of things that one has to keep in mind. Steps in the legal process such as pleadings, discovery, pretrial motions, and trial are used to determine if there is evidence to find the defendant liable for damages. A settlement may occur at any time.
Adequate warnings for BPA lawsuits
Recent lawsuits regarding BPA and recommendations by the FDA are adding to the body of evidence that BPA used in baby bottles and eating containers, as well as the linings of metal cans can lead to serious injury to both infants and adults. At the least, adequate and clear warnings should be placed on labels that contain BPA. The FDA is also considering bans on many manufacturers who use BPA to make their plastic products hard. As more scientific evidence is collected to show how this substance can cause medical harm, the big question of medical negligence will become an important question.
If one has strong concerns about a manufacturer’s fault in selling a BPA product that has harmed yourself or someone in your family, see a lawyer. Was the labeling a clear warning of potential health dangers? More research is being done to help determine just what health consequences are being caused by BPA. The federal government is making attempts to put regulations on this additive, especially in baby products. At the present time, seven states have placed a ban on some types of BPA products.
