Moms-to-Be: Avoid the Coca-Cola

Yet another disturbing health link has been made to the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA). A study recently presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies' annual meeting shows that exposure to BPA during pregnancy — particularly the first trimester — may put babies at a greater risk of developing asthma.

BPA is found in all kinds of things, from store receipts to baby bottles, and we frequently come into contact with it through canned foods and drinks. The chemical lines the inside of most aluminum cans, and oftentimes it leaches out into the food or drink contained. If you enjoy a can of Coca-Cola, BPA is present in the can's lining.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Penn State College of Medicine, has not yet been peer-reviewed, but its head author, Adam Spanier, advises women of child-bearing age to avoid products that contain BPA.

BPA has already been linked to a host of adverse health conditions like cancers, premature puberty, diabetes, and heart disease. Canada has actually designated BPA as a "toxic substance," and the chemical is banned in baby bottles in Europe and China and in some U.S. states. According to Food Safety News, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it has concerns that BPA might affect the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children.

Despite the bevvy of evidence linking BPA to health problems, Coca-Cola execs say they have no qualms with the chemical and think that it's perfectly safe. Coke may not seem concerned, but the company's shareholders certainly are. Recently, one out of four of them voted in support of banning the substance in soda cans.

With all of the issues surrounding the chemical, companies are deciding that it's downright in their best interest to ditch BPA because consumers want BPA-free cans. H.J.Heinz, ConAgra, and Hain Celestial, for example, offer BPA-free lining for some of their products.

But not Coke.

It's pretty darn bold to make the statement that your packaging is safe when scientists, consumers, and even your own shareholders disagree. Sign our petition, and tell Coke to put a plan in place to eliminate BPA from its can linings.

Photo credit: paparutzi via Flickr