BPA stands for Bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960’s. 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. The Canadian government banned the use of BPA in baby bottles last year as a precautionary measure against the risk that its presence could cause endocrine disruption in children–a risk that other regulatory agencies such as the FDA dispute.
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.
So why do manufactures use BPA when is it so blatantly bad for the health of its consumers, well it all come down to cost.
Implementation: Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers. Reduce the use of canned foods since many cans are lined with BPA-containing resin. Keep an eye out for the following “suspect” numbers found on the bottom of plastic packaging.
PVC3: A possible carcinogen. Found in cooking bottles and clear food packaging, number 3 plastics may release toxins into your food and drinks. The risk is heightened when these containers are put through the dishwater, heated up, or frozen.
PS6: Number six plastics are what we call Styrofoam, and release toxins into our food when heated up.
Other7: Found in baby bottles, water bottles, and food containers, number 7 containers can leach bisphenol A- a hormone disruptor that can lead to neural and behavioral problems in children. BPA is a synthetic hormone that can stimulate premature puberty and even lead to breast development in males. BPA has also been linked to prostate cancer.
Source: www.thedailygreen.com
Affirmation: Our lives improve only when we take chances and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves. ~Walter Anderson
