BPA
By Jean Sumner
 

 

We are hearing more and more information in the news about BPA, which encourages many questions such as: what is it, where is it found, what are the problems with BPA, and how can you avoid BPA.  Let's take a look at the research.

What is it?

BPA is short for bisphenol according to Wikipedia BPA is an organic compound with the chemical formula (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2. It is a colorless solid that is soluble in organic solvents but poorly soluble in water. Having two phenol functional groups, it is used to make polycarbonate polymers and epoxy resins, along with other materials used to make plastics.  This chemical is used in plastic can liners, plastic bottles, plastic food containers, beverage cans etc.

BPA has been linked with serious health risks since it is an endocrine disrupting chemical.

Where is it found?

BPA is found in plastic.   It can be identified by either a 3 or 7 recyclable codes.  Some of the highest levels of BPA have been found in products for infants.   Infant formula can be found in cans with linings that contain BPA, other possibilities for infants include sippy cups and baby bottles.  Mother Jones published the following information about levels of BPA in certain products.  

CONSUMERS UNION recommends ingesting no more than .0011 micrograms of BPA daily per pound of body weight. But it found at least 20 times the limit for a typical adult in a single serving of several canned foods it tested. The top two offenders are: Progresso Vegetable Soup which has 22 micrograms per serving and that is 115 times higher than the daily limit, followed by Del Monte Blue Lake Fresh Cut Green beans with 14.9 micrograms of BPA per serving a whopping 77 times higher than the daily limit.  
    
 
What are the problems associated with BPA?

Research has associated BPA to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, development deficits in children, increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, increased risk of leukemia, neurological issues, thyroid function, and neuroblastoma.  BPA has been found to interfere with the reproduction systems in animals.  With all of the studies available is would seem wise to avoid BPA.



How can I avoid BPA?

Avoid canned meats, pasta and soup as these are where the highest levels of BPA have been seen.
Use stainless steel water bottles since some metal water bottles are lined with epoxy based enamel coating.
Purchase canned foods from Eden Organics since this company eliminated BPA coatings in their cans in 1999.
Avoid foods sold in plastic packaging.
Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures.
Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA. Avoid these recycle codes.     Reduce your use of canned foods.
When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
Use baby bottles that are BPA free.

Making changes is well worth it as studies have shown that the BPA in your body decreases 50-70% in 3 days when you switch to eating fresh foods!


 

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