Canadian Government Protects Families With Bisphenol A Regulations

OTTAWA - The Government of Canada today announced it will immediately proceed with drafting regulations to prohibit the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain bisphenol A (BPA).

The Government will also take action to limit the amount of bisphenol A that is being released into the environment.

"In 2007, we issued a challenge to industry under our Chemicals Management Plan to provide information on how they manage bisphenol A," said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health. "Today's announcement is a milestone for our government and for Canada as the first country in the world to take regulatory action."

"Many Canadians, especially mothers of babies and small children in my own constituency of Ottawa West-Nepean, have expressed their concern to me about the risks of bisphenol A in baby bottles," said Canada's Environment Minister John Baird. "Today's confirmation of our ban on BPA in baby bottles proves that our government did the right thing in taking action to protect the health and environment for all Canadians."

The assessment states that the general public need not be concerned. It primarily focused on its impacts on newborns and infants up to 18 months of age; however, health risks for Canadians of all ages were considered.

It was determined that the main sources of exposure for newborns and infants are through the use of polycarbonate baby bottles when they are exposed to high temperatures and the migration of bisphenol A from cans into infant formula. The scientists concluded in this assessment that bisphenol A exposure to newborns and infants is below levels that cause effects; however, due to the uncertainty raised in some studies relating to the potential effects of low levels of bisphenol A, the Government of Canada is taking action to enhance the protection of infants and young children.

Environment Canada scientists found that bisphenol A is entering the environment through wastewaters, washing residues and leachate from landfills. It also breaks down slowly in the environment when there is a lack of oxygen. The combination of the slow break down of bisphenol A and its wide use in Canada means that over time, this chemical could build up in our waters and harm fish and other organisms.

The Government has allocated an additional $1.7 million over the next three years to fund research projects on bisphenol A. This research, in addition to major studies currently underway at Health Canada and Environment Canada, will help to address key knowledge gaps in both the Canadian and international scientific community, and inform Government decision-making should further actions be required.

The final screening assessment report and proposed risk management approach will be published in Canada Gazette, Part I, on October 18, 2008. The proposed risk management approach will be followed by a 60-day consultation period. Regulations are expected to come into effect in 2009.
 
For more information, please visit theNext link will take you to another Web site Chemicals Management Web site or call the information line at 1-866-891-4542. More information

Powertabs Recall

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the product Powertabs due to concerns about possible side-effects. Powertabs are promoted as a purely herbal product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Reason for Warning

Swissmedic warned consumers not to buy or use the product Powertabs because it was found to contain an unauthorised substance with a structure similar to sildenafil.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

Possible Side-Effects

Unsupervised use of sildenafil by patients with heart disease can result in serious cardiovascular side-effects such as sudden cardiac death, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat. Additionally, use of sildenafil may be associated with other side-effects including temporary vision loss, seizure, prolonged erection, headache, flushing, nasal congestion and abdominal pain. Products containing sildenafil should not be used by individuals taking any type of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) due to the risk of developing potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.

These products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace, but it is possible they may have been brought into the country by travellers or purchased over the Internet.

Canadians who have this product are advised not to use it, and should consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of this product.

Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Health Canada advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find the product listed in the table in the Canadian marketplace.

For more information about the information contained in this advisory, please contact Health Canada's public inquiries line at (613) 957-2991 or toll-free at 1-866-225-0709.

As of the date of this posting, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of this product have been reported in Canada.

In Other Canadian Health News

Experts from across Alberta and Canada have gathered in Calgary for a three-day conference to discuss and develop recommendations on improving the mental health of those who experience major depression - a condition for which 200,000 Albertans consult a physician every
year. The Consensus Development Conference on Depression in Adults: How to Improve Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment - is being held at The Westin Calgary downtown until Friday. "Providing effective programs and treatment for depression and other mental illnesses is a priority for health policy makers and providers," Health Minister Ron Liepert said in a message to conference participants. "I commend the Institute of Health Economics, the Alberta Depression Initiative project, Alberta Health Services-Alberta Mental Health Board and the Mental Health Commission of Canada for organizing this conference and working toward a consensus on practical ways to address the critical issue of depression in our society."

The COMPAS Research poll found more Canadians believe corporations are putting a greater emphasis on environmental issues rather than on accommodating customers and employees with disabilities.

When Canadians were asked what social responsibilities they perceive companies put the most effort into, 27 per cent said the environment. That compares to 16 per cent who said they believe Canadian companies have been focusing their efforts to accommodate customers and employees with disabilities. The poll was released as part of JOIN's Value of Accessibility employer conference, which brings employers together from around the province to discuss how to increase their customer bases by creating more accessible businesses. When ask what should be the number one priority for corporate Canada, 34 per cent of those polled said supporting people with disabilities. That compares to 33 per cent who believe the environment should be the priority.

News for Canadian Seniors:

Montreal West Island Prostate Cancer support group meets on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre, 1335 Lakeshore Drive in Dorval. Marla Gold will discuss Exercise - 10,000 Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle. Call 514-694-6412.

Montreal - The Evasion Day Centre, 5701 Décarie Blvd., offers day programs for autonomous and semi-autonomous seniors. They offer recreational services, exercise programs, arts and crafts and full-course meals. Registration fee is $36. Call 514-738-5151.

Montreal - Alzheimer Groupe Inc., 5800 Cavendish Blvd., Suite 311, offers ongoing support groups for spouses and psycho-educational groups for adult children, activity programs, art therapy and music programs for individuals in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer Disease and related disorders. Social/support group for the newly diagnosed. Training offered for professionals and caregivers. Call 514-485-7233 or www.alzheimergroupe.org.