What is BPA?

BPA or Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical used in the production process of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Both are unique and versatile materials widely used in food and drinks packaging and in the lining of canned food and drinks.    

Where is it found?
The most likely sources of reoccurring BPA exposure are from some reusable water bottles, baby bottles, canned foods and plastic food storage containers. BPA can leach out of plastics when they are heated and the chemicals get into the food or drinks in the plastic containers.

How do I identify it?
Plastic packaging are divided into 7 different classes. The type 7 is a catch-all other class, including for example polycarbonate plastics (PC) – that contains BPA. Type 3 (PVC) can also contain BPA, particularly flexible PVC.

How do I avoid it?
Consumer groups recommend that people wishing to lower their exposure to bisphenol A avoid canned food and polycarbonate plastic containers. (Those with resin identification code 7, unless the packaging indicates that the plastic used is BPA free.) It is also recommended to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, putting plastics in the dishwasher, or using harsh detergents, to avoid leaching.

If you want to avoid everyday exposure to BPA, invest in a BPA free (plastic or stainless steel) water bottle and food containers.

The health risks?
Recent concerns from various public health groups have raised an increase in public awareness of BPA exposure from these products.  Some argue that there is not enough evidence to back the claims that the amount of BPA that we are exposed to causes a health risk. At the same time other research suggest that levels are high enough to produce lasting negative health effects in humans. Some countries have banned the use of BPA in baby milk bottles, children’s products and even in food contact plastics.

Possible negative effects of BPA exposure to humans:
Lowered sperm count and infertility.
Higher occurrence of breast cancer.
Prostate growth.
Early puberty in children.
Resistance to Insulin.
Chromosome and egg damage.
Hyperactivity and other behavioural changes.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A