
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plastic found in some hard plastic (polycarbonate) water bottles, baby bottles, infant cups, and metal can linings, including the linings of some canned baby formula. It has been used since at least the 1960s but there have been conflicting stories in the media about the safety of BPA. Some studies suggest that BPA can disrupt hormone levels and cause other health problems, especially in infants and young children. In response to mounting public pressure, companies have moved away from BPA, leading to an influx of products touting their BPA-free status. However, scientists have suggested that using BPA-free plastic products could be just as harmful to human health as those that contain BPA.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Harmful to human health | Yes |
Harmful to developing brains | Yes |
Disrupt hormone levels | Yes |
Cause early pregnancy loss | Yes |
Cause placental diseases | Yes |
Cause negative health outcomes after birth | Yes |
Disrupt cell function | Yes |
What You'll Learn
BPA-free products may be as harmful as those containing BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plastic found in some hard plastic (polycarbonate) water bottles, baby bottles, infant cups, and metal can linings, including the linings of some canned baby formula. It has been used since at least the 1960s but lately, there have been conflicting stories in the media about the safety of BPA. Some studies suggest that infants and young children are most at risk of BPA's negative effects, as their developing bodies don't filter substances as well as adults.
BPA-free products have been marketed as a safer alternative to those containing BPA. However, scientists have suggested that using "BPA-free" plastic products could be just as harmful to human health as those containing the controversial chemical. This is because BPA-free products may contain other chemicals, such as BPS and BPF, which can leach into food and disrupt cell function in similar ways to BPA.
One way to reduce exposure to BPA and other potentially harmful chemicals is to limit or avoid plastics altogether, especially for foods and beverages. This means replacing plastic drinking bottles with glass or stainless steel, avoiding bottled water in plastic bottles, and purchasing food that is not packaged in plastic or cans lined with BPA-containing plastics.
It is also important to note that heat increases the amount of BPA that leaches into food, so it is recommended to avoid heating liquids or foods in containers that do or might contain BPA.
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BPA can disrupt hormone levels
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plastic found in some hard plastic (polycarbonate) water bottles, baby bottles, infant cups, and metal can linings, including the linings of some canned baby formula. It has been used since at least the 1960s, but there have been conflicting stories in the media about its safety.
Some experts argue that BPA can disrupt hormone levels and cause other health problems. Studies suggest that infants and young children are most at risk of BPA's negative effects, as their developing bodies don't filter substances as well as adults.
BPA-free plastic products have been marketed as a safer alternative. However, scientists from the University of Missouri suggest that these products could be just as harmful to human health as those containing BPA. This is because, even in small concentrations, the chemicals in BPA-free products may leach into food and disrupt cell function in similar ways to BPA.
To avoid exposure to BPA and potentially harmful chemicals in BPA-free products, it is recommended to limit or avoid plastics altogether, especially for food and beverages. This includes replacing plastic drinking bottles with glass or stainless steel, avoiding bottled water in plastic bottles, and purchasing food that is not packaged in plastic or cans lined with BPA-containing plastics.
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BPA is found in many everyday products
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plastic found in many everyday products. It has been used since at least the 1960s, but there have been conflicting stories in the media about its safety.
BPA is often used in making water bottles, including baby bottles, and the linings of cans, including canned baby formula. It is also found in plastic plates, sippy cups, and infant cups.
BPA can also be found in dental sealants and medical devices. Other everyday products that contain BPA include CDs and grocery receipts.
It is important to note that heat increases the amount of BPA that leaches into food and drinks, so it is recommended to avoid heating liquids or foods in containers that contain or might contain BPA.
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BPA-free alternatives may not be adequate
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plastic found in some hard plastic (polycarbonate) water bottles, baby bottles, infant cups, and metal can linings, including the linings of some canned baby formula. It has been used since at least the 1960s, but there have been conflicting stories in the media about its safety.
Some studies suggest that BPA can disrupt hormone levels and cause other health problems, with infants and young children most at risk due to their developing bodies not filtering substances as well as adults. For decades, scientists have studied BPA extensively in animal models with results indicating the chemical plays a role in early pregnancy loss, placental diseases, and various negative health outcomes after birth.
BPA-free alternatives may not be a perfect solution, as some scientists suggest that using these products could be just as harmful to human health as those that contain BPA. This is because even small concentrations of similar chemicals, such as BPS and BPF, may leach into food and disrupt the function of cells in ways similar to BPA.
To avoid potential harm, it is recommended to limit or avoid plastics altogether, especially for foods and beverages. This means replacing plastic drinking bottles with glass or stainless steel, avoiding bottled water in plastic bottles, and purchasing food that is not packaged in plastic or cans lined with BPA-containing plastics.
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Heat increases the amount of BPA that leaches into food
BPA-free plastic products may be just as harmful to human health as those that contain the controversial chemical, according to a study led by the University of Missouri and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research suggests that even small concentrations of BPS and BPF may leach into food and disrupt the function of cells in ways similar to BPA.
To avoid the potential harm caused by BPA, it is recommended to limit or avoid plastics altogether, especially for foods and beverages. This means replacing plastic drinking bottles with glass or stainless steel, avoiding bottled water in plastic bottles, and purchasing food that is not packaged in plastic or cans lined with BPA-containing plastics.
Some studies suggest that infants and young children are most at risk for BPA's negative effects, as their developing bodies do not filter substances as well as adults.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it could be as harmful to human health as plastic products that contain BPA.
Bisphenol A.
Water bottles, plastic plates, cans, plastic storage containers, medical devices, CDs, dental sealants, baby bottles, infant cups and metal can linings.
It leaches from plastic containers into our food and drink.
It can disrupt hormone levels and cause early pregnancy loss, placental diseases and various negative health outcomes after birth.