What Is BPA ?

                 

BPA stands for Bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s.



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, CD's 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. Also, thermal paper products, such as cash register receipts, may contain BPA. I see 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. As research studies are continuing. The American Chemistry Council, an association that represents plastics manufacturers, contends that BPA poses no risk to human health.( OF COURSE !)  However, the National Toxicology Program at the Department of Health and Human Services says it has concerns about the possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. This level of concern is midway on its five-level scale, which ranges from serious to negligible. The Food and Drug Administration now shares this level of concern and is taking steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food supply by finding alternatives to BPA in food containers.
In the meantime, if you're concerned about BPA, you can take steps to minimize your exposure. This may not always be easy to do, of course. Some manufacturers label their products as BPA-free. If a product isn't labeled, keep in mind that most aluminum cans or bottles have linings that contain BPA, while steel bottles or cans don't. Polycarbonate plastic is generally hard, clear, lightweight plastic. It often has the No. 7 recycling symbol on the bottom. The National Toxicology Program advises against microwaving polycarbonate plastics. The plastics can break down over time, possibly causing BPA to leach into food. The National Toxicology Program advises against washing polycarbonate plastics in the dishwasher using harsh detergents. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers. Reduce your use of canned foods since many cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.

What many people don’t know is that BPA mimics the hormone estrogen. It is what is known as an endocrine or hormone,disrupting chemical. The endocrine system is the body’s finely tuned network of hormones and glands that control the development of the brain, the reproductive system and many other delicate systems.

Hormone disruptors, such as BPA, are substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the hormone or endocrine system by duplicating, blocking or exaggerating hormonal responses. This can produce a wide range of adverse effects including reproductive, developmental and behavioral problems. 

Despite its dangers, however, BPA has been used in the manufacturing of PC plastic and can linings for over 60 years. The use of these plastics and lining today is incredibly widespread. BPA is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide. In 2009 alone, over 6 billion pounds of BPA were used to manufacture PC plastic products, resin lining cans, dental sealants, and polyvinyl chloride plastic products. The ester bond linking BPA molecules undergoes hydrolysis, resulting in the release of BPA into food, beverages, and the environment. Human exposure to BPA is so widespread that a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detected BPA in more than 93 percent of Americans! 

So there you have it nobody seems to wan't to say that BPA is outright BAD for you. It's now apparent to me why. It is because of it's immense widespread use. If they did it could cause a widespread food and beverage panic! I would however greatly advise following the suggestions in this blog and  start limiting your exposure to this toxic chemical...Good Luck...

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