TUES., NOV. 30, 2010: JUST-RELEASED NATURAL HEALTH STUDY
BPA AND ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS MAY DISRUPT IMMUNE SYSTEM: Building on previous animal studies on bisphenol A (BPA), a new study has concluded that this compound may cause negative alterations to the human immune system. (BPA is found in many plastics, plastic food storage containers, thermal paper used for receipts, dental sealant, and as a protective plastic lining in food cans.) Although 200 previous studies have linked BPA with negative health effects on animals, this is the first study to find a link between the compound and the human immune system. Researchers detected higher levels of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody levels in people who had highest levels of BPA in their urine, suggesting their “cell-mediated immune system may not be functioning properly.” They also noted greater incidence of allergies and hay fever in those with higher urine levels of triclosan. (Triclosan is found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, pens and medical devices.) This follows a September 20, 2010 study in the same journal suggesting human exposure to BPA may be greater than formerly suspected and through various avenues. This study was posted online November 30, 2010 by the journal, Environmental Health Perspectives and is available at http://bit.ly/hBVSvT with no fee or subscription required.

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DID YOU KNOW…?
A study found that copper fittings – copper door handles, door push plates, taps, light switches and even toilet seats – rapidly kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as the super-bugs MSRA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and C. difficile, which resist the strongest disinfectants and antibiotics. Copper surfaces tested in a hospital setting remained germ-free even after many days of public touching, while steel fixtures did not have this effect. Lab tests confirm that copper kills the deadly MRSA and C. difficile superbugs, the flu virus, E. coli, and other germs. Copper ions separate on contact with bacteria and it is believed the metal ions suffocate germs, preventing them from breathing. Also, copper ions can stop bacteria from feeding and may destroy their DNA. The copper-fixture study was announced at a US conference on antibiotics in November, 2008.