What is BPA?

BPA is a chemical found in plastic. IT IS POISON!!

BPA can be dangerous, especially when chemicals leach out through scratches or cracks in a container.

BPA is a synthetic estrogen that has been used in many plastics and resins since the 1960s.

BPA resins can be used inside products like metal food cans as sealants, while polycarbonate BPA plastics can include water bottles and food storage containers.

BPA even shows up on the shiny side of receipt paper to stabilize the ink. While many plastics manufacturers have started labeling their products “BPA-free,” there’s still a lot of the breast- and prostate-cancer-causing stuff around, and some BPA replacements may be no better for our health.

For over 30 years it has been used to harden plastic. It’s everywhere. It’s in  water bottles, 5 gallon water containers, infants pacifiers , baby bottles, the lining of canned foods and drinks, medical devices, compact discs, paper receipts, dental sealants, and many other products. In 2008, the possible health risks of Bisphenol A (BPA) — a common chemical in plastic — made headlines. Remember when women were warned not to drink the bottles of water left in the hot car, this is why.

Harmful Affects of BPA!

  • Hormone levels. Some experts believe that BPA could theoretically act like a hormone in the body, disrupting normal hormone levels and development in fetuses, babies, and children. Animal studies have had mixed results.
  • Brain and behavior problems. After a review of the evidence, the National Toxicology Program at the FDA expressed concern about BPA’s possible effects on the brain and behavior of infants and young children.
  • Cancer. Some animal studies have shown a possible link between BPA exposure and a later increased risk of cancer.
  • Heart problems. Two studies have found that adults with the highest levels of BPA in their bodies seem to have a higher incidence of heart problems. However, the higher incidence could be unrelated to BPA.
  • Other conditions. Some experts have looked into a connection between BPA exposure and many conditions -obesity, diabetes ADHD and Autism.  
  • Increased risk to children. Some studies suggest that possible effects from BPA could be most pronounced in infants and young children. Their bodies are still developing and they are less efficient at eliminating substances from their systems.

BPA Risk: Ways for Parents to Protect Children

The FDA recommends taking precautions against BPA exposure.
Trying to eliminate BPA from your child’s life is almost impossible. But limiting your child’s exposure — and your own — is possible. Here are a few ways that can help.

 

  • Find products that are BPA-free. It isn’t as hard as it once was. Many brands of bottles, sippy cups, and other tableware prominently advertise that they are BPA-free.
  • Look for infant formula that is BPA-free. Many brands no longer contain BPA in the can. If a brand does have BPA in the lining, some experts recommend powdered formula over liquid. Liquid is more likely to absorb BPA from the lining.
  • Choose non-plastic containers for food. Containers made of glass, porcelain, or stainless steel do not contain BPA.
  • Do not heat plastic that could contain BPA. Never use plastic in the microwave, since heat can cause BPA to leach out. For the same reason, never pour boiling water into a plastic bottle when making formula. Hand-wash plastic bottles, cups, and plates.
  • Throw out any plastic products — like bottles or sippy cups — that are chipped or cracked. They can harbor germs. If they also have BPA, it’s more likely to leach into food.
  • Use fewer canned foods and more fresh or frozen. Many canned foods still contain BPA in their linings.
  • Avoid plastics with a 3 or a 7 recycle code on the bottom. These plastics might contain BPA. Other types of numbered plastic are much less likely to have BPA in them.