BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. BPA is a known estrogen mimicker which can cause hormone disrupting effects, toxicity of even neurotoxicity, low sperm counts and cancer. BPA is only found in processed, manufactured foods and packaging. Consuming fresh, raw produce avoids the ingestion of bisphenol A. The more fresh food you eat the lower your risk will be for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders and many other diseases.
Bisphenol a (BPA) has been a chemical item of great health concerns for the past few years. It is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics, including plastic food and beverage containers, inner epoxy linings of cans used for canned foods, thermal paper, and paper money. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles, baby bottles and cups. They may also be used in toys and other consumer goods. Epoxy resins can be used to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, baby formula cans, bottle tops and water supplylines.
Some research have shown that BPA seeps into liquids, foods nor beverages from containers that are made with BPA and also leaches into your blood through the skin while handling products made with it like paper money and thermal paper which is commonly used for printing receipts. BPA remains controversial, and research studies are continuing.
An investigation by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that nearly all infant formulas are packaged in containers that are lined with the dangerous toxin bisphenol A.
MINIMIZING EXPOSURE ΤΟ ΒΡΑ
Phase into glass and ceramic containers as much as possible. If you must use plastic, try to keep the container cool and out of sunlight. Plastic containers have recycle numbers placed with triangles, usually at the bottom of the container. Those numbered one or five are the least harmful.
After handling thermal paper or paper money, wash your hands thoroughly. If your work demands considerable handling with either type of paper, try wearing thin latex gloves. All U.S. manufacturers use BPA-based lining on the metal portions of the formula containers. If you must use formula, choose powdered or liquid in plastic bottles.
Don’t eat canned food if you are pregnant: it makes a lot of sense for all parents, especially pregnant and nursing women, to minimize the exposure of their kids developing bodies and brains to BPA.”
Seeking out BPA-free products: this may not always be easy to do, of course. Some manufacturers label their products as BPA-free. If a product isn’t labeled, keep in mind that most aluminum cans or bottleshave linings that contain BPA, while steel bottles or cans don’t. Polycarbonate plastic is generally hard, clear, lightweight plastic. It often has the recycling symbol on the bottom.
Microwave cautiously: the national Toxicology Program advises against microwaving polycarbonate plastics. The plastics can break down over time, possibly causing BPA to leach into food.
Wash safely: the National Toxicology Program advises against washing polycarbonate plastics in the dishwasher using harsh detergents.
Use alternatives: use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.
Cut back on cans: reduce your use of canned foods since many cans are lined with BPA-containing resins.
