Monday, January 6, 2014

The Dangers of BPA in Everyday Plastics and Canned Foods





BPA is a Harmful Chemical Found in Some Kitchen Plastics
and the Linings of Canned Foods


BPA, or Bisphenol A, is part of a family of harmful chemicals called phthalates that are used in the manufacturing of plastics and in the inside coating of canned foods and drinks.

There's been a lot of research into the dangers of BPA in everyday plastics and canned foods and scientists from around the globe have documented their findings on the issue.

Studies link BPA to such health problems as changes in reproductive hormones, allergies, diabetes, heart disease, abnormal liver function, breast cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer and ADHD.

And BPA is a problem you can find right in your kitchen.







How Does BPA get into our Bodies?

We become exposed to the dangers of BPA through ingestion.

This occurs in two ways.

The chemical either leaches into our food contaminating what we then eat, or it rubs off onto our hands and when we put our hands up to our lips it makes its way into our body.

We do not experience harmful effects of BPA or other phthalates through our skin.



Our BPA Exposure is the Greatest

When we use Canned Foods and Canned Drinks

Your risk of exposure to BPA is the greatest through your diet, and your largest source of exposure is from canned foods.

Canned goods make use of BPA in coatings used to line the can. The BOA coating helps protects the container from decomposition caused by the food it’s storing.

Acidic foods degrade cans quickly, so they will tend to have a higher concentration of BPA in the can's coating.

Examples of canned acidic foods are products containing tomatoes or fruits, and drinks such as canned sodas and juices.








By decreasing the amount of canned foods your family consumes and by eating fresh foods, you can reduce your exposure to BPA.




Ways to Reduce Exposure to BPA and Phthalates

1. Don't use the Unsafe Plastics

Look for the grade marking on your plastic product. This is usually found on the bottom of the container. Don't use those marked as #3, #6, or a #7.

Plastics labeled 3, 6, and 7 are considered unsafe. These are plastics made from polyvinyl chloride (3), polystyrene (6), and polycarbonates(7).




2. If you need to use a Plastic, Choose a Safer Plastic.

If you will be using a plastic that will come in contact with food, check the designation on the bottom of the product and choose a safer plastic. Use products labeled #1, #2, #4, or #5.

Plastics labeled 1, 2, 4, or 5 are made of polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene respectively.




3. Look for alternative containers.

Use glass or stainless steel containers when you can. Choose products that say they are "BPA-free" or "phthalate-free".




4. Don't microwave food or beverages in plastic. Don't use plastic cling wrap when heating or microwaving food.

Put your food or drink in a glass container or a paper plate. Cover food when heating with a napkin or paper towel.




5. Do not use warm or hot liquids in water bottles, baby bottles or sippy cups made of hard polycarbonate plastics (#7).


This final suggestion is especially important to consider when feeding children. BPA is thought to be very harmful to the smallest among us. You'll want to stay vigilant to protect their health.

Be sure to use BPA Free products for babies -- especially on items that go into their little mouths!





Will BPA be Banned in the US?

U.S. health experts are hopeful that the FDA will eventually completely ban BPA, but until that happens, BPA and other phthalates will continue to be found in canned goods, canned drinks, plastic water bottles and plastic food storage containers.

Limit your exposure to the dangers of BPA in everyday plastics and canned foods today by knowing which plastics you should never be using, selectively using those plastics which are thought to be less harmful, and choosing wholesome foods and healthy storage for a beneficial future for you and your family.


BPA is found on Cash Register Receipts Too!

Certain types of receipts (the shiny ones) contain BPA or phthalates. 40% of the cash register receipts in the US are this type. While the BPA won't leach through your skin, it is important to wash any residue off your hands.



Learn More about BPA on these upstanding sites:
 
FDA
    The US Food and Drug Administration homepage

National Institutes of Health
     The US National Institutes of Health homepage

World Health Organization
    The official website of the World Health Organization




 Thought for Today

Better keep yourself clean and bright.  
You are the window through which 
you must see the world.   
 - George Bernard Shaw






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