BPA is a chemical that has been used to harden plastics for more than 40 years. It’s everywhere. It’s in medical devices, compact discs, dental sealants, water bottles, the lining of canned foods and drinks, and many other products. BPA is a potentially toxic estrogen-mimicking compound used in plastic production that has been linked to breast cancer, early puberty, infertility, and other maladies.
What Products Contain BPA?
BPA was common in baby bottles, sippy cups, baby formula cans, and other products for babies and young children. Controversy changed that. Now, the six major companies that make baby bottles and cups for infants have stopped using BPA in the products they sell in the U.S. Many manufacturers of infant formula have stopped using BPA in their cans as well.
Polycarbonate plastic containing BPA can be found in many commonly used items such as:
- Hard plastic food containers
- Water bottles
- Baby bottles
- Toddler cups
Epoxy resins containing BPA are used in:
- The lining of metal food cans
- Cans of baby formula
- Bottle tops
- Water supply piping
Why Is BPA Dangerous?
What is it about BPA that’s so dangerous? To understand the far-reaching effects, it helps to know how the endocrine system works. After producing hormones in endocrine tissues (such as the ovaries, testes, and thyroid), the hormones are sent into the bloodstream like messengers, where they bind with hormone receptors throughout the body. By plugging into the receptors, the hormones activate responses throughout the body to control functions like growth, energy levels, and reproduction.
Here’s where it gets shady: Because it has a similar shape to the hormone estrogen, BPA can bind with hormone receptors, too, and that’s not good—the receptors get plenty of natural hormones. “BPA is acting on receptors that are already above thresholds because everyone has estrogen in their body,” says Frederick vom Saal, a University of Missouri biologist who studies endocrine disruptors. When the receptors get overloaded, it can alter cell function throughout the body.
Studies suggest a problematic link between the following areas and BPA:
- The brain
- Behavior
- Prostate Gland
- Breast Tissue
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Sensitivity to chemotherapy
BPA And The Environment
BPA and the environment According to studies, BPA can undermine the reproduction and development of aquatic life, especially fishes. There is also compelling evidence that aquatic invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians are also affected. Ocean-borne plastic trash can contaminate the environment. BPA is a major soil pollutant which can interfere with nitrogen fixation at the roots of several types of plants. A Canadian study reported that rivers with BPA contamination had a much higher female-than-male proportion of some types of fishes.
FDA Studies
In an initial study done by the FDA, BPA was deemed to have an adequate margin of safety for infants and adults when exposed to the chemical through contact with food. Several months later, some flaws were noted in the initial assessment causing inadequate results; this naturally was cause for concern. The FDA then determined that additional studies were necessary to establish the true risks of BPA exposure. Currently, the FDA acknowledges a cause for concern regarding the potential effects BPA has on the health of fetuses, infants and small children. Additionally, the FDA supports further research and is supporting actions to reduce exposure to BPA.
How To Avoid BPA
Given the controversy and need for additional research, many people are choosing to steer clear of BPA. However, finding BPA-free products might be a challenge. Many manufacturers are choosing to label their products as BPA-free, while others may have a number 7 molded into the bottom of the container. Here are a few ways to reduce BPA exposure:
- Use caution when microwaving. To be on the safe side, avoid microwaving food in polycarbonate plastic because as it heats up, the chemicals break down and BPA can be emitted into your food.
- Drink tap water or rely on BPA-free stainless steel water bottles (from companies like Nalgene or Sigg) instead of slugging down bottled water.
- Instead of eating microwavable meals that come out of plastic containers, eat only freshly-prepared, organic foods. Difficulty Rating: Moderate (or hard, depending on where you live, the size of your bank account, and how lazy you are).
- Steer clear of plastic storage containers for leftover food. Instead, use glass containers along with BPA-free plastic lids. The food should not touch the lids.
- If purchasing bottled water, look for manufacturers who sell glass water bottles or those that label their bottles as BPA-free.
Eating fresh foods whenever possible is one of the most effective ways to eliminate BPA from your diet. A diet that consists mostly of whole foods and is not comprised mainly of processed and packaged foods significantly cuts back on BPA exposure.
Considerations
Whether or not BPA can accumulate in your body through the handling of products that are made with the chemical or by eating food that has been heated or stored in a polycarbonate container is still shrouded with controversy. The bottom line, for now, is that if in fact BPA can cause harm to humans, that harm is much greater and detrimental to fetuses, infants and young children. If you are concerned with BPA exposure, take steps to reduce your child or your family’s contact with BPA products.