Bisphenol A and CPAP

[lloyd]

We should demand that all CPAP parts be made without Bisphenol A, especially the ones being heated.

[Bearded_One]

I think that this is a fairly recently known concern; perhaps letters to the major manufacturers asking them what they are doing about this concern would be appropriate right now. Let them know that people are concerned about this matter.

Ask the suppliers if there are any products that are made with plastics that do not release Bisphenol A. It is possible that new models of masks do not contain problematic materials.

From what I have seen, the major manufacturers will provide information to users and they have been up front about what materials their current products are made of.

There is also the matter that they would probably set priorities in what products get remediated first. Parts of the humidifier that touch the CPAP circuit would probably be the highest priority, and it sounds like at least one manufacturer (F&P) does not have a Bisphenol A problem with the plastic in their water chamber.

Changes to the materials used in masks will probably take considerable time because of FDA procedural issues.

[lloyd]

I think that letters / emails are a good idea.

I called F&P and their plastic lid for the water chamber is made of polycarbonate but the disposable one is made with polystyrene, which should not cause any health hazards when heated.

[papoose]

This discussion got me thinking, so I placed a call to Respironics to inquire about the materials used in the M-Series integrated humidifier. Neither the user manual, nor the website, nor my DME could tell me what the tank was made of. Interestingly, neither could the tech support rep at Respironics' call center. I'm awaiting a return call, promised in the next two business days, and will report on what I learn.

[lloyd]

I am waiting to hear back from Invacare and AEIOMed.

Here is the response I just got from Puritan Bennett:

The clear plastic dome on the water chamber on the GoodKnight® H2O humidifier is made from a polycarbonate material.

It seems that they are all made of polycarbonate.

[lloyd]

Invacare (800-333-6900) makes a humidifier made with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.

[Wulfman]

I think somebody pushed the "panic button" too soon. Looks to me like the Canadian ban only applies to baby bottles.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080418/hl_ ... anada_dc_5


Den (who thought breast-feeding was best for both mothers and infants)

[Snoredog]

ARLINGTON, VA (April 13, 2008) — On April 9th the NBC Today Show aired a “Consumer Alert” story about the overall safety of plastics, plastic bottles and, in particular, Bisphenol-A (BPA) which is used to make polycarbonate containers. This story was full of inaccuracies which the American Chemistry Council (ACC) brought to NBC’s attention. The next day — in what first appeared to be an attempt to clarify the situation — NBC made a bad situation worse by further confusing the issue, repeating many of the same inaccuracies, and giving consumers additional bad information. NBC owes the public and scientific community an apology — and the public deserves to be told the truth.

http://www.factsonplastic.com/

[lloyd]

Amidst all the controversy I’d rather be safe than sorry.

[Wulfman]

Amidst all the controversy I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Better not go outside then......it's scary out there.


Den

[lloyd]

Nice mature personal attack, Wulfman

[tomjax]

I did not see it as a personal attack.

I do not know the real risks and would like to know.


For the chicken littles who are forever in search for a zero risk in anything, it ain't gonna happen.

It is a matter of probibility and outcome.

And also, the risk of going out in your yard and on the road is probably zillions of times more risky than the plastic.

and abot the same risk that ALGORE is pontificating.
That ain't gonna happen either.
Temps have gone DOWN in past 8 years.

[lloyd]

It is a personal attack if someone says that those who have legitimate concerns of the potential harm of BPA are hypochondriacs as the evidence is not 100% conclusive. We’re entitled to search out and discuss alternatives to plastics made with the controversial BPA without being demeaned, even if Wulfman can’t appreciate our concern.

[Snoredog]

Amidst all the controversy I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Better not go outside then......it's scary out there.


Den

yep, the SKY is falling look out!

I wonder when they did that study who's ghost writers they used?

http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/2938

I don't trust the results of ANY single study any more, 9 out of 10 are usually found wrong by yet another study.

[Wulfman]

Maybe I was wrong.......many studies have shown that more accidents happen IN the home........so, my advice would be to MOVE. (someplace where it's "safe")

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_rel ... e_home.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 090616.htm


Den