Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical widely used in common plastic products, such as baby bottles, children’s toys, and the linings of most food and beverage cans. Many scientific studies including the largest study of BPA ever conducted on humans have found links between

BPA and serious health problems, from heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities in adults to developmental problems in the brains and hormonal systems of children.
BPA is widely use in so many products we use every day, so it is probably impossible to completely eliminate your exposure to this potentially harmful chemical. But still, you can lower your exposure and your risk of possible health problems associated with BPA by taking a few simple precautions.

Here are a few tips to help you lower your exposure to BPA:

· Eat Fewer Canned Foods

The easiest way to lower your intake of BPA is to stop eating so many foods that come into contact with the chemical. Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, which usually have more nutrients and fewer preservatives than canned foods, and taste better, too.

· Choose Cardboard and Glass Containers Over Cans

Highly acidic foods, such as tomato sauce and canned pasta, leach more BPA from the lining of cans, so it’s best to choose brands that come in glass containers. Soups, juices and other foods packaged in cardboard cartons made of layers of aluminum and polyethylene plastic (labeled with a number 2 recycling code) are safer than cans with plastic linings containing BPA.

· Don't Microwave Polycarbonate Plastic Food Containers

Polycarbonate plastic, which is used in packaging for many microwaveable foods, may break down at high temperatures and release BPA. Although manufacturers are not required to say whether a product contains BPA, polycarbonate containers that do are usually marked with a number 7 recycling code on the bottom of the package.

· Choose Plastic or Glass Bottles for Beverages

Canned juice and soda often contain some BPA, especially if they come in cans lined with BPA-laden plastic. Glass or plastic bottles are safer choices. For portable water bottles, stainless steel is best, but most disposable plastic water bottles do not contain BPA. Those that do are usually marked with a number 7 recycling code.

· Turn Down the Heat

For hot foods and liquids, switch to glass or porcelain containers, or stainless steel containers without plastic liners.

· Use Baby Bottles That Are BPA-Free

As a general rule, hard, clear plastic contains BPA while soft or cloudy plastic does not. Most major manufacturers now offer baby bottles made without BPA.

· Practice Moderation

The fewer canned foods and beverages you consume, the less your exposure to BPA, but you don’t have to cut out canned foods altogether to reduce your exposure and lower your potential health risks. In addition to eating less canned food overall, limit your intake of canned foods that are high in BPA.