BISPHENOL A (PLASTIC) : THE SILENT DESTROYER

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical used in hardening polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins for more than 40 years. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles and eating utensils while Epoxy resins are used to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines.

BPA is an unstable compound and is also lipophilic (fat-seeking), it can leach into food products, especially when heated. Once in food, BPA can move quickly into people — a particular concern for women of childbearing age and young children. 

More than 90% of us have BPA in our bodies right now. We get most of it by eating foods that have been in containers made with BPA. It's also possible to pick up BPA through air, dust, and water. Clearance of BPA from the body is quite rapid, with its urinary half-life on the order of hours to days. 

BPA has also been found in blood samples from developing foetuses and the surrounding amniotic fluid; it has also been measured in placental tissue and umbilical cord blood at birth, as well as in the urine of premature infants housed in neonatal ICUs.

That BPA is found so extensively in people, from prenatal to adult ages, is particularly impressive given the relatively short half-life of the chemical. This shows that all humans are at risk of BPA.

BPA EFFECTS:

• Increased risk to children. Some studies suggest that possible effects from BPA could be most pronounced in infants and young children. Their bodies are still developing and they are less efficient at eliminating substances from their systems.
• Heart problems: Two studies have found that adults with the highest levels of BPA in their bodies seem to have a higher incidence of heart problems
• Hormone disruptor: Experts believe that BPA could theoretically act like a hormone in the body, disrupting normal hormone levels and development in foetuses, babies, and children.
• Brain and behaviour problems: There is increased concern BPA’s possible effects on the brain and behaviour of infants and young children.
• Cancer: Some animal studies have shown a possible link between BPA exposure and a later increased risk of cancer.
• Other conditions. Some experts have looked into a connection between BPA exposure and many conditions -- obesity, diabetes, ADHD, and others. The evidence isn't strong enough to show a link.

LIMITING BPA EXPOSURE:

• Find products that are BPA-free. 
• Look for infant formula that is BPA-free.
• Choose non-plastic containers for food. Containers made of glass, porcelain, or stainless Steel does not contain BPA.
• Do not heat plastic that could contain BPA. Never use plastic in the microwave, since heat can cause BPA to leach out. For the same reason, never pour boiling water into a plastic bottle when making formula. Hand-wash plastic bottles, cups, and plates.
• Throw out any plastic products that are chipped or cracked. 
•  Use fewer canned foods and more fresh or frozen. Many canned foods still contain BPA in their linings.
• Avoid plastics with a 3 or a 7 recycle code on the bottom.    

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