By now, most of us have heard the term “BPA-free.”
But what is BPA exactly?
BPA stands for bisphenol A, which is an industrial chemical that has been used in the production of some plastics and resins since the 1960s.
It is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
Polycarbonate plastics are commonly used for containers that hold food and beverages, such as plastic water bottles and other consumer products.
Epoxy resins are used as a coating inside metal products like food cans, water supply lines, and bottle caps. Some dental sealants may also contain BPA.
Research shows that BPA may pose health risks. “Chemical bonds that BPA forms in plastic can unravel when heated, washed or exposed to acidic foods, prompting the chemical to contaminate foods,” states Dr. Joseph Mercola.
Let’s take a look at some of the possible effects of BPA.
Affects brain function:
A 2008 animal study published in the journal Endocrinology linked BPA exposure to the loss of connections between brain cells, learning problems, memory problems, and possible depression.
Asthma risk:
A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed a possible connection between BPA and risk of developing asthma in inner-city children. This is the first report of an association between postnatal urinary BPA concentrations and asthma in children.
Breast cancer risk:
Estrogen has long been linked to breast cancer, and because of its estrogen-like effects, BPA may increase the risk of developing it.
A study published in a journal called Molecular Endocrinology shows that BPA alters long-term hormone response that may increase the propensity to develop breast cancer.
Heart problem risks:
Some of the lesser-known effects of BPA are the potential heart risks.
A 2009 study from the University of Cincinnati showed that BPA might cause irregular heartbeat and increase the risk of heart disease in women.
A large-scale study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association showed a link between BPA and heart disease in both men and women.
Liver cancer risk:
Researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found a significant link between BPA and cancer in an animal study. “We found that 27 percent of the mice exposed to one of three different doses of BPA through their mother’s diet developed liver tumors and some precancerous lesions. The higher the dosage, the more likely they were to present with tumors,” said Caren Weinhouse, U-M doctoral student in the School of Public Health’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences.
Male sexual dysfunction risks:
A study published in the journal Human Reproduction showed that occupational exposure to BPA is linked to self-reported male sexual dysfunction.
Prostate cancer risk:
Much of the reasons why BPA poses health risks are because it mimics estrogen. A study from the University of Illinois at Chicago published on January 7th in a journal called Endocrinology took a closer look at BPA and the prostate. The study found that fetal exposure to a commonly used plasticizer found in products such as water bottles, soup can liners and paper receipts can increase the risk for prostate cancer later in life.
Reproductive health risks:
In a study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital published in the journal Human Reproduction, BPA was found to affect egg maturation in humans.
Type 2 diabetes risk:
The study from The Journal of the American Medical Association that showed potential heart risks with BPA exposure also showed a link between BPA and type-2 diabetes.
The FDA no longer authorizes the use of BPA in infant formula packaging . However, until it is banned altogether, we must take steps to limit BPA exposure as much as possible.
Simple steps to avoid BPA.
1. Stay away from canned foods and opt for frozen, jarred or pouched foods instead.
2. Avoid microwaving polycarbonate plastics as the BPA may leach into foods.
3. Do not leave plastic water bottles in your car, as the heat will cause BPA to get leached into the water.
4. Look for BPA-free containers. If a product is not labeled, keep in mind that some plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA.
5. Use glass, porcelain, or stainless steel instead of plastics.
6. Use BPA-free mason jars to store foods. They are sold almost everywhere and are inexpensive.
Note: The content on our website is for educational purposes only. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified expert.
REFERENCES:
1. “What Is BPA (Bisphenol A)? Is BPA Harmful?” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 04 Apr. 2011. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.
2. “Occupational Exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA) and the Risk of Self-Reported Male Sexual Dysfunction.” Oxford Journals. Human Reproduction, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
3. “Bisphenol A Prevents the Synaptogenic Response to Testosterone in the Brain of Adult Male Rats.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Endocrinology, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
4. “Perinatal Exposure to Bisphenol a Increases Adult Mammary Gland Progesterone Response and Cell Number.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Molecular Endocrinology, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
5. “Prenatal and Postnatal Bisphenol A Exposure and Asthma Development among Inner-city Children.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
6. “Bisphenol-A and Human Oocyte Maturation in Vitro.” Oxford Journals. Human Reproduction, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
7. “Occupational Exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA) and the Risk of Self-Reported Male Sexual Dysfunction.” Oxford Journals. Human Reproduction, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
8. “What Is BPA? Should I Be Worried about It?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
9. Mercola, Joseph, DO. “Why Plastics Can Make You Sick.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 27 Apr. 2005. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
10. Oz, Mehmet, MD. “3 Shocking Health Threats in Your Food.” The Dr. Oz Show. The Dr. Oz Show, 29 Jan. 2013. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
11. “FDA Regulations No Longer Authorize the Use of BPA in Infant Formula Packaging Based on Abandonment; Decision Not Based on Safety.” FDA.gov. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 11 July 2013. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
12. “Bisphenol A Promotes Human Prostate Stem-Progenitor Cell Self-Renewal and Increases In Vivo Carcinogenesis in Human Prostate Epithelium.” Endocrinology. Endocrine Press, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
13. “Dose-Dependent Incidence of Hepatic Tumors in Adult Mice following Perinatal Exposure to Bisphenol A.” Environmental Health Perspectives. Environmental Health Perspectives, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
14. “Association of Urinary Bisphenol A Concentration With Medical Disorders and Laboratory Abnormalities in Adults.” JAMA. The Journal of the American Medical Association, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.