BPA, which stands for bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical that has been used since the 1960s to manufacture plastics and resins. BPA is found in food containers, baby bottles and cups made from polycarbonate plastics. Epoxy resins, used for coating the inside of metal products, including food cans, baby formula cans, bottle tops and water supply lines, also contain the chemical. There is some concern that BPA can seep into food and cause health problems.
Effects
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, or NIEHS, analyzed the effects of BPA and reached some conclusions regarding what could occur when humans are exposed to the chemical. There is some concern that at current normal exposure levels, BPA affects the brain, behavior and prostate gland in fetuses, children and infants. There is minimal concern that BPA effects mammary glands and can promote the onset of early puberty in females. There is negligible concern that exposure to BPA by pregnant women can cause birth defects, reduced birth weight, fetal or neonatal mortality. There is also negligible concern that exposure can cause reproductive effects in people exposed to the chemical for non-occupation purposes. That concern is raised to minimal in people whose occupations require them to be around the chemical.
What It Means
According to the NIEHS, not all concerns are the same and they provide a glossary to explain the difference between a concern that is serious, minimal and negligible. "Some concern," which is the highest level of concern for the use of BPA in products intended for human use, is characterized by an outcome that is supported by insufficient data and limited evidence from studies in humans and animals. Only limited evidence exists that developmental changes occur in some animal studies using doses of BPA to which humans are exposed. It is unknown for sure if similar effects would impact humans, but the chances cannot be ignored.
Why It's a Concern
In a 2003 to 2004 health study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93 percent of 2,517 urine samples from people over the age of 5 showed detectable levels of BPA. This data is considered representative of the United States. People are primarily exposed to BPA through diet. Air, dust and water can also cause exposure. BPA seeps into food and beverages from the containers in which they're stored. Temperature and age of the container can also change the degree to which the chemical leaches.
Minimize Exposure
According to MayoClinic.com, you can minimize your exposure by using products that don't contain BPA. Look for cans and containers that are labeled BPA-free. While most aluminum cans and bottles contain BPA, steel, glass and porcelain bottles and cans do not. Polycarbonate plastic, which always contains BPA, is typically hard and clear and has a No. 7 recycling symbol. Microwaving can cause plastics to break down, possibly leading to BPA contaminating your food. Avoid microwaving containers with BPA and also avoid putting them in the dishwasher. The National Toxicology Program reports that washing these products with harsh detergents may cause the release of more BPA.
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