by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) are chemicals commonly contained in cash register receipts and plastics, that have been widely reported to be endocrine disruptors. Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has maintained that BPA and BPS may cause "developmental malformations, interference with reproduction, increased cancer risk and disturbances in the immune and nervous system function."
In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and cups in an effort to protect our children. Unfortunately, BPS was thereafter substituted for BPA in many products without consumer notification or prohibition. In fact products that are labelled "BPA Free" may still contain BPS. Many claim that BPS is even more dangerous than BPA and that even casual contact with these chemicals could be harmful. Further, that the mere handling of a cash register receipt that contains BPA or BPS could result in the chemical being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Although many governmental agencies are designed to protect us, they are seemingly always one step behind. Perhaps that is why Trader Joe's has wisely decided to take matters into their own hands. Trader Joe's has announced that they are going to change their receipt paper to eliminate BPA and BPS as soon as possible. The only question that comes to mind is what took so long and why isn't every other retailer following in Trader Joe's footsteps?
Do not make the mistake of believing that if something is harmful to us, the FDA or other governmental agency would not allow it. The fact is that our governmental agencies do not have the resources or the inclination to afford the American people that kind of protection. Remember it is incumbent upon the consumer to verify the suitability of a product before purchasing it, otherwise known as the principle of Caveat Emptor or buyer beware.
Long Island Lawyer
Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
www.liattorney.com
Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) are chemicals commonly contained in cash register receipts and plastics, that have been widely reported to be endocrine disruptors. Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has maintained that BPA and BPS may cause "developmental malformations, interference with reproduction, increased cancer risk and disturbances in the immune and nervous system function."
In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and cups in an effort to protect our children. Unfortunately, BPS was thereafter substituted for BPA in many products without consumer notification or prohibition. In fact products that are labelled "BPA Free" may still contain BPS. Many claim that BPS is even more dangerous than BPA and that even casual contact with these chemicals could be harmful. Further, that the mere handling of a cash register receipt that contains BPA or BPS could result in the chemical being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Although many governmental agencies are designed to protect us, they are seemingly always one step behind. Perhaps that is why Trader Joe's has wisely decided to take matters into their own hands. Trader Joe's has announced that they are going to change their receipt paper to eliminate BPA and BPS as soon as possible. The only question that comes to mind is what took so long and why isn't every other retailer following in Trader Joe's footsteps?
Do not make the mistake of believing that if something is harmful to us, the FDA or other governmental agency would not allow it. The fact is that our governmental agencies do not have the resources or the inclination to afford the American people that kind of protection. Remember it is incumbent upon the consumer to verify the suitability of a product before purchasing it, otherwise known as the principle of Caveat Emptor or buyer beware.
Long Island Lawyer
Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
www.liattorney.com
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