Canada—A recent study found bisphenol A (BPA) levels in Canadians were approximately half the amount of levels discovered in Americans. However, the reason for this difference remains unknown, according to study analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

“Surprisingly, for each age group that was analyzed, the concentrations found in Canadians were approximately half those found in Americans,” said author Laura Vandenberg of the Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.

In October 2010, Canada became the first country in the world to declare BPA a health hazard. More than three million tons of BPA are produced annually with the substance being found in a colorful range of products such as toys, and food packaging such as plastic. The study reveals children and adolescents as having the highest amounts of BPA in their systems.

Health Canada, a federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, labeled BPA as a toxic substance. However, despite the label, Health Canada continues to explain it is safe at current exposure levels. “Regulations to remove bisphenol A from all food-contact sources, or ban it completely, are not yet forthcoming, presenting a conflict that is likely to confuse the public,” Vandenberg said. Closer analysis of bisphenol A exposure levels in Americans have yet to be announced.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine May 2011 (online 3/22/11)