Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is an industrial chemical that has been in use since the 1950s for the production of certain plastics and resins. You might be encountering this acronym more and more, especially when concerned about food safety and the materials your everyday items are made of. Understanding what BPA is, where it’s found, and why there are concerns surrounding it is crucial for making informed choices for your health and your family’s well-being.
Where is BPA Commonly Found?
BPA is a key component in two main types of materials: polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are strong and transparent, making them ideal for a wide array of consumer products, most notably food and beverage containers. You can find polycarbonate plastics in:
- Reusable water bottles: Many hard, clear plastic water bottles are made from polycarbonate.
- Food storage containers: These durable containers are often used for storing leftovers or packing lunches.
- Baby bottles: Although increasingly less common due to BPA concerns, some older baby bottles were made with polycarbonate plastic.
Epoxy resins, on the other hand, are used as protective linings. Their primary function is to prevent corrosion and maintain the integrity of metal products. This means BPA can be found lining the inside of:
- Food cans: The majority of canned foods are lined with epoxy resins to prevent the food from directly contacting the metal can and to extend shelf life.
- Bottle caps and lids: Metal lids for glass jars and bottles often have an epoxy lining.
- Water supply lines: Epoxy resins are used to coat pipes and prevent corrosion in water distribution systems.
- Dental sealants and composites: Some dental materials also utilize BPA-containing resins.
Health Concerns Associated with BPA Exposure
The primary concern with BPA arises from its ability to leach out of these plastics and resins and into food or beverages, especially when heated. Even at low levels, BPA exposure is a concern because research suggests potential health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations such as fetuses, infants, and children. These concerns include:
- Brain and Prostate Gland Effects: Studies have indicated that BPA may disrupt the development of the brain and prostate gland in developing individuals.
- Behavioral Issues in Children: Some research suggests a link between BPA exposure and behavioral problems in children.
- Potential Links to Chronic Diseases: Emerging research points to a possible association between BPA and an increased risk of health conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in adults.
It’s important to note that research in this area is ongoing, and the full extent of BPA’s impact on human health is still being investigated.
What is the FDA’s Stance on BPA?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that BPA is safe at the very low levels that are typically found in foods. This conclusion is based on extensive reviews of hundreds of studies. The FDA continues to monitor ongoing research and reassess its position as new scientific evidence emerges. Despite the FDA’s current stance, the potential health concerns remain a topic of public and scientific discussion, prompting many consumers to seek ways to reduce their exposure to BPA.
Practical Steps to Reduce BPA Exposure
If you are concerned about BPA exposure, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize your contact with this chemical:
- Choose BPA-Free Products: Many manufacturers are now producing BPA-free alternatives. Actively look for products specifically labeled “BPA-free.” Be aware that some plastics with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA, but this is not always the case. Checking for a BPA-free label is the most reliable method.
- Avoid Heating Plastics: Do not microwave polycarbonate plastic containers or put them in the dishwasher. Heat can accelerate the breakdown of plastic over time and increase the leaching of BPA into food.
- Prioritize Fresh, Whole Foods: Reduce your reliance on canned foods by incorporating more fresh, whole fruits and vegetables into your diet. This naturally minimizes potential exposure from can linings.
- Opt for Alternatives to Plastic: Whenever possible, use glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, especially for hot foods and liquids. These materials do not contain BPA and are safe alternatives for food storage and preparation.
By understanding what BPA is and taking informed steps, you can actively reduce your exposure and make healthier choices for yourself and your family.
References:
- Bisphenol A (BPA). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/index.cfm. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
- Questions and answers on bisphenol A (BPA) use in food contact applications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-answers-bisphenol-bpa-use-food-contact-applications. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
- Hall JM, et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
- Goldman RH, et al. Occupational and environmental risks to reproduction in females: Specific exposures and impact. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 3, 2021.
- Trasande L, et al. Food additives and child health. Pediatrics. 2018; doi:10.1542/peds.2018-1408.
- Patisaul HB. Achieving CLARITY on bisphenol A, brain and behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 2020; doi:10.1111/jne.12730.
- Bao W, et al. Association between bisphenol A exposure and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults. JAMA Network Open. 2020; doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11620.
