Greetings Students!
Have you noticed how many plastic products we use every day? From plastic water bottles, to food containers, and even baby toys we are surrounded by plastic. How often do you use plastic on a daily basis? Think about this while I present a current debate in our nation's capital...
The federal government has a BIG problem: Scientists have discovered that a main ingredient in plastic bottles, and the lining of metal cans, Bisphenol-A (BPA), has caused some developmental defects in babies.
What exactly is BPA? It is a chemical used to form polymers, or long chains of molecules, that holds plastics together. But, it has been found to cause negative effects in the development of babies whose mothers are exposed to BPA, particularly neurological issues.
So, why do we care? We care because many environmental groups are asking the government to ban BPA in the production of plastic items and linings of metal cans. There is no single answer, however, as evidence collected has been hotly contested as unsound. Also, the effects on children and adults are not well studied and scientists have just recently discovered these negative effects in developing babies.
The federal government has a BIG problem: Scientists have discovered that a main ingredient in plastic bottles, and the lining of metal cans, Bisphenol-A (BPA), has caused some developmental defects in babies.
What exactly is BPA? It is a chemical used to form polymers, or long chains of molecules, that holds plastics together. But, it has been found to cause negative effects in the development of babies whose mothers are exposed to BPA, particularly neurological issues.
So, why do we care? We care because many environmental groups are asking the government to ban BPA in the production of plastic items and linings of metal cans. There is no single answer, however, as evidence collected has been hotly contested as unsound. Also, the effects on children and adults are not well studied and scientists have just recently discovered these negative effects in developing babies.