Mark Sisson, author of the Primal Blueprint and the blog Mark’s Daily Apple, recently posted on the dangers of ingesting Bisphenol A (BPA) from foods stored for long periods of time in plastic containers and metal cans. Most of the containers are made with BPA and the food &/or liquid will leech out the BPA for your dining pleasure. The EPA’s current human consumption limit for BPA is 50 µg/kg/day. Here’s a quick recap on BPA research:

• Rats-In doses ranging from .025-30, BPA is linked to the development of ovarian cysts, mammary tumors (breast cancer), enlarged prostates, decreases in testicular testosterone, increased susceptibility to variety of diseases.
• Primates-In doses of 50 (EPA limit for humans), BPA interfered with the formation of spinal synapses in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.  This affects mood regulation and general cognition.
• Humans-Research in humans has not led to any hard-and-fast evidence yet, simply correlations.  Correlations include linkages with heart disease, diabetes, recurrent miscarriages, oxidative stress and inflammation, & altered hormone levels.  Also, studies have found correlations between prenatal BPA ingestion and children’s aggression, delinquency, and hyperactivity.  In general, these studies used BPA doses well below the 50 µg/kg/day EPA limit.

So how much BPA is in our packaged?  Here’s a link to a Consumer Report table listing the BPA levels in some common packaged foods.  So until more research comes to light on the effects of BPA on humans, err on the side of caution, eat fresh food (Paleo), and avoid the packaged foods as much as possible.  This is especially true for expectant mothers and children as the BPA can have more severe long-term impacts on children’s health and development.

WOD 01.06.10

Bench Press 1-1-1-1-1

5 Rds for time:
5 Pushups
7 MBC/Wallball Shots
10 KBS