Global hormonal disruption - BPA contamination now consuming world currencies

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 by: Anthony Gucciardi
Tags: BPA, currency, health news

(NewsTarget) The endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) has been found in cans and plastic bottles, and it may even be hiding in the strangest of places -- your wallet. Previous studies have found traces of BPA on U.S. dollar bills, but new research has found that BPA is contaminating the entire global currency system. A recent study analyzed currencies from 21 different countries and found traces of BPA on each currency analyzed. Linked to obesity, hormonal disruption, gender-bending properties, and a host of other conditions, Canada first labeled BPA as a toxic substance back in December of 2010.

The study, published in Environmental Science and Technology, not only confirmed the presence of BPA on every currency examined, but also studied the transfer of BPA from thermal receipt papers to currencies. The researchers placed the currencies in contact with thermal receipt papers for a period of 24 hours inside of a wallet. Shockingly, the concentrations of BPA dramatically increased after the 24 hour time period due to the direct contact with thermal receipt papers. The findings coincide with reports by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that receipts are 'coated' with BPA. The report highlights a study conducted by Swiss scientists which found that BPA readily transfers from receipts into the human bloodstream - and in many cases cannot be washed off. Even more astounding, the total concentrations of BPA found on the receipts studied were 250 to 1,000 times greater than the amount of BPA typically found in a can of food or a can of baby formula.

Results from these studies are particularly important to those frequently handling receipts and paper money on a daily basis. Cashiers, bank employees, and others who routinely expose themselves to heavy concentrations of BPA-coated receipts and cash should wear gloves to limit exposure. Hand washing may help slightly depending on the absorption rate of the BPA into the skin and subsequently into the bloodstream, but prevention through proper handling of BPA-contaminated items is the best method of limiting BPA intake. Other ways to avoid BPA exposure include using glass water containers as opposed to plastic bottles, purchasing fresh produce instead of canned, and only purchasing BPA-free plastic bottles when absolutely necessary.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21744851
http://www.ewg.org/bpa-in-store-receipts
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/toxic-article/in...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05...

About the author

Anthony Gucciardi is a health activist and wellness researcher, whose goal is centered around educating the general public as to how they may obtain optimum health. He has authored countless articles highlighting the benefits of natural health, as well as exposing the pharmaceutical industry. Anthony is the creator of Natural Society (http://www.NaturalSociety.com), a natural health website. Anthony has been accurately interpreting national and international events for years within his numerous political articles. Anthony's articles have been seen by millions around the world, and hosted on multiple top news websites.