Bisphenol-A or BPA is a substance commonly used to harden plastic and make epoxy resins.  Its use has raised health concerns stemming from the fact that it can mimic estrogen, a powerful hormone.  The problem with BPA is that it leeches into whatever food or beverage you put in a plastic container, canned good, or plastic baby bottle. Even worse, if you microwave the containers or bottles, or place hot liquids or food into them, BPA is released 55 times more rapidly.

Your body is extremely sensitive to sex hormones, and miniscule amounts can induce profound changes. Some scientists, therefore, are afraid that even low levels of BPA could have a profound negative impact on human health.

Scientists have discovered that 95% of people tested have dangerous levels of BPA in their bodies.  The cumulative effect of being exposed to even minuscule amounts of BPA from all sources over the years can eventually lead to serious health concerns. 

In the last ten years, 700 studies have been published about BPA, most of them indicating serious health hazards, at least in animals. In animals, BPA increases aneuploidy, a defect consisting of abnormal loss or gain of chromosomes which in humans could possibly lead to miscarriages or disorders such as Down Syndrome.  There is evidence among mice and rats  that even low doses of BPA can cause:

  • Structural damage to the brain and hyperactivity
  • Early puberty and abnormal sexual behavior
  • Disrupted reproductive cycles and increased fat formation


BPA can be found in numerous products that you may be using every day, including:

  • Microwave-oven dishes
  • Canned-food liners
  • Polycarbonate plastic baby bottles
  • Large water-cooler containers
  • Sports bottles and bottle tops
  • Some dental sealants
  • Water supply pipes


BPA & Legislation

There has been some success in limiting the use of BPA. This past year, a few states have passed legislature to ban the sale of baby bottles, sippy cups, and other children’s food containers made with BPA. Other states are considering similar legislation.  Some retailers have also responded to consumer demand and have voluntarily eliminated some of their BPA products for sale.  Congress has yet to establish a federal ban on BPA in all food and beverage containers.

Quick Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to BPA

  • Store your food and beverages in glass rather than plastic containers
  • IF you choose to use a microwave, don’t microwave food in a plastic container
  • Stop buying and consuming canned foods and drinks
  • Only use glass baby bottles and dishes for your child
  • Give your baby natural fabric .wood toys instead of plastic ones
  • Stop using plastic dishes and cups; replace with with glass varieties
  • Avoid using bottled water; filter your own using a reverse osmosis filter instead
  • Before allowing a dental sealant to be applied to you, ask your dentist to verify that it does not contain BPA


Plastics & Labeling

Containers marked with the recycling labels No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 do not contain BPA but they do contain other chemicals that are best avoided.   If you choose to buy/use plastic containers instead of glass, be sure to check the recycling label on the bottom of the container.  Avoid those marked on the bottom with the recycling label No. 7, as these varieties usually contain BPA.  No. 3 (DEHA) and No. 6 (Styrene) are also considered unsuitable for use with food due to their toxic ingredients.