Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hormone-disrupting compound and the primary component in polycarbonate plastic and resin.
Health concerns
In animal studies, BPA has been shown to mimic the female hormone estrogen. Exposure to this chemical early in life is associated with pre-cancerous changes in the mammary and prostate glands, as well as altered development of the brain. causing behavioral abnormalities and earlier onset of puberty. Developmental exposure to BPA has also been associated with reproductive abnormalities such as lower sperm counts, hormonal changes, enlarged prostate glands, abnormalities in the number of chromosomes in eggs. It also has been associated with obesity and with insulin resistance, a condition that commonly precedes the development of diabetes.
There is concern that BPA may cause similar health problems in humans. More than 90 percent of the general population has BPA in their bodies, at levels close to those which have been shown to cause harm in animal studies.
Where it is found
BPA is used in the resin lining of all food and beverage cans. It is the building block of polycarbonate plastic and is used in a wide range of products, including clear plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, clear plastic water bottles, and other kitchen plastics such as measuring cups, drinkware and storage containers. BPA is also found in some dental sealants and fillings, medical devices, paints, epoxy adhesives and cash register receipts.
Stay safe
If you have a newborn, avoid baby bottles or sippy cups made of polycarbonate (hard, clear, shatterproof) plastic. They are marked with the recycling symbol #7, and sometimes labeled “PC.” (Not all #7 plastics are polycarbonates–the only way to know for sure is to call the manufacturer.)
Use a BPA-free reusuable water bottle, such as an unlined stainless steel bottle.
Avoid canned beverages, foods and soups. Frozen vegetables and packaged soups and broth in aseptic “brick” cartons are not exposed to BPA.
Limit your consumption of canned soda and canned food during pregnancy and limit your children’s consumption of canned goods as well.
Avoid plastics labeled #7, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Don’t allow your children to have dental sealants made from BPA (or BADGE) applied to their teeth, and don’t have these sealants applied to your teeth while you are pregnant. Ask your dentist to provide BPA-free treatments.
The big picture
The weight of scientific evidence in animal testing indicates that we should initiative thorough testing of BPA and strictly regulate its use. But the government has failed to do so, because the suite of laws governing chemical regulation is full of loopholes and the process is heavily influenced by the chemical industry itself.
Some local and state legislatures have already banned the use of BPA in children's products, but the major source of exposure for most people is through contaminated food. To reduce this exposure, the FDA should revoke its approval of BPA as a food additive, which would spur companies to develop and use safer alternatives.
