BPA (Bisphenol A)

Bisphenol A, often known as BPA is a chemical found in hard plastics including baby bottles, sippy cups, baby formula cans, pacifier shields, water bottles, dental fillings and sealants, dental devices, medical devices and the coatings of most food and drinks cans. BPA can behave in a similar way to estrogen and other hormones in the human body.

What are the possible health effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on humans?

Reproductive disorders
Male impotence
Heart disease
Sex hormones in men
Type 2 diabetes
Liver enzyme abnormalities
Brain function, memory, learning, depression
Reduced Chemotherapy efficacy
Breast cancer increased risk in females exposed to BPA in womb
Asthma, increased rates
Women's eggs - affect the quality of a woman's eggs retrieved for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How to Avoid BPA exposure

Do not eat/drink canned foods and drinks unless the labeling says it is BPA free. Trader Joes brand is slowly eliminating all their BPA lined cans. They are still in the process so not all of their cans and bottles are safe. However, they have stated that all their canned beans are BPA free. The other brand that does not use BPA is Eden.

Scientist from the Silent Spring Institute, USA and Breast Cancer Fund, report that after just three days on a fresh food diet, BPA and DEHP levels in children and adults fell considerably. So it is possible to reduce the exposure to BPA through choice.

Also you should not microwave foods in plastic containers. Plastic containers should not be washed in the dishwasher. You should avoid cleaning plastic containers with harsh detergents. Plastics marked with code 3 and 7 and more likely to contain BPA, but all plastic if heated can be dangerous. The safest choice is to use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.