What is Bisphenol-a?

Current Research Shows That Even Low Dose Exposure is Damaging

Many Americans have come to agree that bisphenol-a (BPA) is probably worrisome enough to avoid. The move to a BPA-free lifestyle no longer requires a leap of faith when current research continually points to new evidence of harm to the health of our children. Recent studies have linked BPA to effects such as increased aggression in toddler girls, heart disease, obesity, early puberty and infertility.

Avoiding BPA is simple enough, right? We used to think that bypassing polycarbonate bottles (which uses BPA to harden the plastic) would get the job done. But now we're learning that BPA is lurking in the most unexpected places: canned foods and aluminum bottles, some color-tinted polypropylene dishes and teethers, pizza boxes made of recycled cardboard and carbonless credit card receipts.

So now we have to step back and ask ourselves whether we've gone over the edge in worrying this much about BPA? When a single chemical is produced in such massive quantities as 6 billion pounds per year, we are remiss if we don't worry about widespread human exposure. We're talking about chronic exposure to an endocrine-disrupting chemical on a large scale from multiple sources: air, food, household dust, physical contact and water.

While it's true that we shouldn't live in fear, we must be willing to educate ourselves and make changes when possible. BPA is a chemical we can absolutely live without, and many responsive manufacturers have already proven it can be easily substituted in most cases. The time for change is now, and the government is finally responding to consumer demand for more research on the effects of BPA. Stick around this week for a series on exactly how to avoid BPA, as well as a couple of other harmful chemicals hiding in the products we use every day.

Decreasing BPA Exposure is Paramount

The following types of plastic are typically made without BPA: PET or PETE (#1), HDPE (#2), LDPE (#4) and PP (#5). Plastics from recycling category #1 should not be reused even though they're BPA-free, because they can leach other chemicals (like antimony) when exposed to heat and detergents

BPA has been discovered in some color-tinted PP (#5) plastic food containers and teethers, so be sure these products are either labeled as BPA-free or have been confirm with the manufacturer to be BPA-free

Avoid aluminum bottles, canned foods and pre-made baby formula; they require a protective liner that is typically uses a BPA-based epoxy. Use stainless steel bottles, fresh or frozen foods and powdered baby formula instead. Eden Foods cans are one of the only BPA-free options in canned food (except for their tomato-based products)

Avoid polycarbonate baby bottles and containers (#7 or PC recycling codes). Also be aware that not all #7 plastics contain BPA; many newer plastics like PES and Tritan copolyester are thrown in to the #7 Other category, but are BPA-free

Keep in mind that manufacturers are not required to label their products with materials used or recycling codes. If you find an unmarked product, be sure to contact the manufacturer to confirm. There are several trusted companies and blogs who have done the work for you, so checking with them first will save you some time and

Choosing food containers made from glass, silicone, stainless steel and wood ensures you won't have to be concerned about BPA at all

Before you buy check our wide selection of food and lunch containers. If you still need more options, be sure to check our Safer Food Storage Guide for and extensive list of safe alternatives

Photo Source Credit: Safer Chemicals Coalition