What Do We Know About BPA? Is It A Concern?

[freedomforall]

Question
What is BPA? Should I be worried about it?
What is BPA, and what are the concerns about BPA?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s.

In particular, BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles, and 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 supply lines. Some dental sealants and composites also may contain BPA. And certain thermal paper products, such as cash register receipts, may contain BPA.

Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA or into your body when you handle products made with BPA. BPA remains controversial, and research studies are continuing. The American Chemistry Council, an association that represents plastics manufacturers, contends that BPA poses no risk to human health.

But the National Toxicology Program at the Department of Health and Human Services says it has "some concern" about the possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. This level of concern is midway on its five-level scale, which ranges from serious to negligible. The Food and Drug Administration now shares this level of concern and is taking steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food supply by finding alternatives to BPA in food containers.

In the meantime, if you're concerned about BPA, you can take steps to minimize your exposure by:

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 bottles have linings that contain BPA, while steel bottles or cans don't. Polycarbonate plastic is generally hard, clear, lightweight plastic. It often has the No. 7 recycling symbol on the bottom.
Microwave cautiously. The National Toxicology Program advises against microwaving polycarbonate plastics, although the American Chemistry Council says this is safe. 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, although the American Chemistry Council says this is safe.
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 resin.

See: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bpa/AN01955" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A#Obesity" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Obesity
Neurological issues
Thyroid function
Cancer research
Breast cancer
Neuroblastoma
Prostate development and cancer
Reproductive system and sexual behavior research
Lang study and heart disease
Brain tumors
Sexual difficulties
Human exposure sources
Fetal and early-childhood exposures
Environmental risk
And much more

[Rose Garden]

This is why my mom switched to using glass for all her food containers. She stores leftovers or whatever she needs in canning jars instead. My problem with that is that the kids would put me out of business fast. They are already banned from using our glass cups because they were getting broken so frequently that I couldn't keep the glass fragments off the floor.

[uglypitbull]

BPS (Bisphenol S) is even more of a concern.....and its what they are replacing BPA with. Its a more potent endocrine disruptor and is not metabolized by the body as easily as BPA. Its like we are screwed either way....time to go back to Mason jars or steel thermos products.

some info http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/20 ... 50632.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are several articles on BPS and BPA found on http://www.naturalnews.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rose Garden]

I always wondered what they were using in the non-BPA plastic. I figured it was very likely just as bad.