Alexei Volkov
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, and food and drink containers. It has been linked to several health issues, including endocrine problems, obesity, and cancer. While BPA is found in a wide range of plastic products, it is possible to identify and avoid it. Opaque plastics are generally considered to be BPA-free, while clear or tinted hard plastics are more likely to contain the chemical. Recycling codes, resin identification numbers, and BPA-free labels can also help consumers identify products that do not contain BPA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is BPA? | Bisphenol-A, an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s |
| How to identify BPA products? | Look for the recycling codes, usually visible inside a triangle on the underside of plastic products |
| Recycling codes with BPA | 3, 6, 7 |
| Recycling codes without BPA | 1, 2, 4, 5 |
| Other ways to identify BPA products | If the product doesn't bend or is labelled with the number 7 |
| Types of plastics with BPA | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polycarbonates, Epoxy resins |
| Types of plastics without BPA | High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) |
| Other ways to avoid BPA | Choose glass or metal containers instead of plastic, especially for heating food |
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What You'll Learn
Opaque plastics are likely to be BPA-free
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. It is also used in epoxy resins that coat the insides of canned goods and water supply pipes. BPA is found in a wide range of plastic products, such as food storage containers and reusable water bottles.
BPA exposure can affect the brain, the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. It is also linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in fetuses and children. Due to these harmful effects, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of BPA in sippy cups, baby bottles, and baby formula containers.
While BPA is found in many plastic products, not all plastics contain it. Opaque plastics are likely to be BPA-free. Softer, flexible, and opaque plastics are usually not polycarbonates and are less likely to contain BPA. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example, is usually opaque in color and is considered safe with a low risk of leaching. It is often used in milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers.
To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can look for recycling codes or resin identification numbers, usually found on the bottom of the product inside a triangle made of three arrows. Products with the recycling codes 3, 6, or 7 are most likely to contain BPA, while those with codes 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally don't contain BPA. Additionally, products made from polypropylene (code 5) or polyethylene (code 1) are often BPA-free.
It is important to note that older plastics are more likely to contain BPA and may not have identifying numbers, so it is recommended to discard them if you want to avoid BPA. Newer plastics are typically BPA-free and labeled as such.
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How to identify BPA-free plastics
It is important to identify BPA-free plastics to reduce your exposure to this chemical. BPA, or bisphenol-A, is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of plastics to give them strength, toughness, and shatter-proof qualities. It has been used since the 1950s-1960s to make products like reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups. Exposure to BPA can be harmful and has been linked to potential negative health effects.
- Opacity: Opaque plastics are likely to be BPA-free. So, if you can't see through the plastic, that's a good sign.
- Recycling Number: Check the bottom of the plastic product for a recycling number inside a triangle made of three arrows. Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally indicate that the product is BPA-free. Numbers 3, 6, and 7 are more likely to contain BPA. If there is no number, assume it contains BPA, especially if it is an older product.
- Labels: Look for labels that explicitly state "BPA-free." Also, check for labels indicating "handwash only," which likely means the product is made of acrylic and is BPA-free. On the other hand, labels like "unbreakable" or "microwave-safe" suggest the presence of BPA.
- Flexibility: BPA provides flexibility to rigid plastics. If the product is rigid and does not bend, it is likely BPA-free.
- Age of the Product: Newer plastic products are more likely to be BPA-free and labeled as such. Older plastics, especially those manufactured before 2012, are more likely to contain BPA and may not have identifying marks.
- Type of Plastic: Polycarbonate plastics, often marked with a 7 or PC, are more likely to contain BPA. These plastics are usually hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable.
- Container Condition: Worn, scratched, or damaged containers pose a higher risk of leaching chemicals, including BPA, into your food.
While these identification methods are helpful, the safest way to avoid BPA is to choose alternative materials like glass or stainless steel for food and beverage storage. Additionally, avoid canned and microwaveable foods, as the linings of cans and microwaveable packaging often contain BPA.
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The dangers of BPA
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to manufacture plastics containing polycarbonate, like food and drink containers. It is also used to harden plastics, keep bacteria from growing in foods, and prevent cans from rusting. It is found in products used daily, such as baby bottles, water bottles, and food storage containers.
BPA is considered harmful to humans and is classified as a hazardous chemical in the EU. It is known to alter the normal functioning of the body's hormone system by either mimicking or blocking hormones. It can also damage the reproductive system, negatively affect the immune system, and cause serious eye damage, allergic skin reactions, and respiratory irritation.
Babies and children are at the greatest risk of injury from BPA exposure as their bodies are growing and changing rapidly. Exposure to BPA can affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. Researchers have also linked BPA exposure to developmental and health problems in children, including learning and behavioral conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as well as early puberty in girls, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Due to the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure, it is essential to take precautions to minimize exposure. One way to do this is by identifying products that may contain BPA and avoiding their use, especially for food and drink storage. BPA is commonly found in hard, clear (or clear-tinted) and unbreakable plastics. These plastics will usually have a recycling label with the number 7, indicating the possibility of BPA presence. Older plastics are also more likely to contain BPA, so it is recommended to discard containers that were made before 2012.
To avoid BPA exposure, it is advisable to switch to using glass containers for food and drink storage. Additionally, choosing fresh or frozen foods and drinks over canned goods can help reduce BPA exposure, as cans are often lined with BPA.
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BPA-free alternatives
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. It is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. BPA has been phased out of almost all plastic manufacturing, and most new plastics are BPA-free and labelled accordingly.
To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can look for a recycling number between 1 and 7 inside a triangle made of three arrows. Items marked with a 3, 6, or 7 are most likely to contain BPA, while those with a 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally do not. Additionally, if a plastic product is rigid and transparent, it may contain BPA, whereas softer, flexible, and opaque plastics are less likely to. Older plastics are more likely to contain BPA and may not have any identifying numbers, so it is recommended to discard them if you want to avoid BPA. Metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, may also be lined with BPA, so it is best to avoid those without a BPA-free label.
Some common items that may still contain BPA include polycarbonate plastics, which will have a recycling number 7, and any other plastic products stamped with "7 OTHER Recycle Code". Any containers labelled as unbreakable or microwave-safe are also more likely to contain BPA.
While BPA-free alternatives are available, such as glass, there are concerns about the safety of substitutes like BPS and BPF, which have similar structures and potential health hazards as BPA. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when selecting BPA-free alternatives and to look for products that are specifically labelled as such.
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How to dispose of plastics containing BPA
While it is important to know how to identify plastics containing BPA, it is equally important to know how to dispose of them. Here are some ways to dispose of plastics containing Bisphenol-A (BPA):
Identify plastics containing BPA
First, identify the plastics that contain BPA. Look for plastics that are hard, clear or clear-tinted, and unbreakable. These are most likely to be polycarbonate plastics, which often contain BPA. Flip these containers over and check for a recycling number. Polycarbonate plastics will have the number 7, but they are not the only plastic with this label. So, look for other indicators like labels that say "unbreakable" or "microwave-safe", which suggest the presence of BPA. If the container doesn't have a recycling number and was purchased before 2012, assume it contains BPA and discard it.
Avoid recycling thermal paper
Avoid recycling thermal paper, such as receipts, as this can release BPA-containing materials in recycling facilities and contaminate new paper products. Disposing of thermal paper in the trash is a better option, as it provides time and opportunity for BPA to break down within a landfill.
Reduce usage and switch to safer alternatives
Reduce your use of plastics that may contain BPA, especially for food and beverage storage. Switch to using glass or stainless steel containers, which do not have the same health concerns. Choose fresh or frozen foods over canned goods, as BPA is often used in the lining of cans.
Dispose of old and worn containers
As older plastics are more likely to contain BPA, it is advisable to discard them. Go through your plastic containers and toss any that are scratched or damaged, as worn containers pose a higher risk of leaching chemicals into your food.
Be cautious with usage
Avoid heating plastic containers, especially in the microwave, as heat can cause BPA to leach into food or beverages. Do not store acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, in plastic containers, as acidity can draw chemicals from the container into your food. Avoid using containers that are showing signs of ageing or degradation, as these are more likely to leach chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Look for a recycling code on the bottom of the product, inside a triangle made of three arrows. Products marked with a 3, 6, or 7 are most likely to contain BPA. Products with a 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally don't contain BPA.
BPA stands for Bisphenol A. It is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. It is often found in food storage containers and reusable water bottles.
Yes, you can pretty much assume that any opaque plastics are BPA-free. However, it is important to check for a "BPA-free" label, as some older plastics may not have this label despite containing BPA.
BPA exposure can potentially affect the brain, the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. According to the FDA, small amounts of BPA are safe for humans, but some experts believe that exposure to BPA could lead to problems with brain development, immune function, learning abilities, and reproductive disorders.
