Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure Linked With Thyroid Problems in Pregnancy

According to a new study by researchers in Berkeley, California, bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like compound has been linked to changes in thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women and newborn boys.

In this study, the researchers analysed the bisphenol A levels in the urine samples of 335 women during the second half of their pregnancy, the thyroid hormone blood samples taken from the mothers during pregnancy and from the newborns within a few days of birth.

The researchers found that with increased exposure to BPA during pregnancy, total thyroxine (T4) blood levels would decrease proportionately, suggesting a hypothyroid effect. In newborn boys, increased exposure to BPA was linked to a significant decrease in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), suggesting a hyperthyroid effect.

Several studies in recent years have linked lower thyroid hormone levels to delays in cognitive and motor development in children. It is also suggested that even small changes in thyroid levels, even within the normal range may still have an effect on thinking skills, behaviour and growth.

It was interesting to note that the studies did not show any link with BPA and newborn girls, suggesting the presence of higher levels of a BPA metabolising enzyme as found in previous studies with animals.
Due to the increased sensitivity of pregnant women to chemicals and toxins in the environment, and the vulnerability of fetuses to this exposure, avoidance of bisphenol A during pregnancy of paramount importance both for pregnant women and those wishing to conceive.

While complete avoidance of bisphenol A is a challenge in today’s ‘throw-away’ society, conscious reduction of exposure can be achieved through the use of BPA free food storage containers and drink containers in the home.

Here at Down To Earth Organics we have a great range of BPA free baby bottles, water bottles and food storage containers designed to keep your body free from chemicals such as bisphenol A, PCBs, leads & phthalates.

To see our range of BPA Free Baby Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Cutlery & Storage Options click here.

To see our range of Eco Lifestyle Water Bottles, Stainless Steel Storage options and Re-useable Coffee Cups click here.

DOWN TO EARTH ORGANICS - YOUR ONE STOP NATURAL AND ORGANIC SHOP

Down To Earth Organics – Launch of New Website Design

There is nothing like making use of a rainy public holiday to launch the new layout for our Down To Earth Organics website! We have performed a major, much needed overhaul of our website to improve ease of navigation through the site and make browsing a little easier on the eye.

Our online store has blossomed from humble beginnings in 2007 and has proudly evolved into one of Australia’s largest online stores stocking well over 1000 natural and organic skincare products, natural cosmetics, BPA free baby bottles and accessories, eco cleaning products and everything in between that you need to maintain a natural, organic, healthy & eco friendly lifestyle.

Obviously one of the new features that we will be resurrecting is our online blog where we will be posting articles on what is new in natural and organic skincare, hair care, health and eco cleaning, plus reviews of natural and organic products as well as articles about how to reduce your impact on the environment.

For those of you who have known us for a while know that we like to add the odd special treat into your order and have the occasional day when we offer free postage throughout Australia. This week, with the launch of our newly made-over website we are offering free postage throughout Australia until Sunday afternoon. To access this free postage, just add the code ORGANIC into the field: “redeem coupon” when you reach the shopping cart and the postage fee will be automatically subtracted from your cart (offer valid until 17^th June 2012).

With still more features and improvements in the pipeline for www.downtoearthorganics.com.au hope that you will enjoy our new easier to navigate website and visit us in the future for more updates and information. If you have any comments or opinions on our new website layout, please contact us at contactus@downtoearthorganics.com.au we hope to be hearing from you in the near future.