September 15, 2008

bisphenol A and heart disease

Speakers:
Dr Iain Lang, Research Fellow in Epidemiology and Public Health at the Peninsula Medical School, Exeter
Dr Alan Scarlett, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
Prof. David Melzer, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Peninsula Medical School, Exeter
Prof. Tamara Galloway, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter

Bisphenol A is a chemical used around the world in the production of many common plastic products including CDs, drinks containers and sports equipment. As with all industrial chemicals, there have been many rigorous health and safety checks over the use of Bisphenol A. Despite widely publicised concerns over use of the substance, previous scientific studies have not shown any significant health impact.
New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found a correlation between high levels of Bisphenol A and both heart disease and diabetes. Authors of the study and leading experts came to the SMC to brief the media.