BPA: Why does it matter?

This isn't new research. In fact it's been out there for a while now, but it's fairly new to me. And fairly confusing. So I imagine it's also fairly new to a lot of us out there who aren't actively following a crunchy, chemical free lifestyle. (Can anybody TRULY be chemical free?)

So anyway, what is BPA. BPA, also known as Bisphenol A, is a chemical compound used to make plastics. No biggie right? I could get into a huge technical description here, but I won't. Check it out here.

BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on the bottom with the letters "PC" recycling label #7. Not all #7 labeled products are polycarbonate but this is a reasonable guideline for a category of plastics to avoid. Polycarbonate plastics are rigid and transparent and used for sippy cups, baby bottles, food storage, and water bottles. Some polycarbonate water bottles are marketed as 'non-leaching' for minimizing plastic taste or odor, however there is still a possibility that trace amounts of BPA will migrate from these containers, particularly if used to heat liquids.

So now that we know a little more, why is it important? Well studies have shown that BPA can be toxic. Not just in large amounts, but in small amounts. It's an disruptor and has been blamed for everything from birth defects to various cancers. Now, the official stance in the US is that it's safe, that the levels that "average humans" are exposed to are shown to cause no damage in labratory studies. Okay...that's nice. But the potential is there. In fact, the potential is LARGELY there as the rate of BPA being used has gone up exponentially since this study has been done. You are exposed EVERY DAY, on many levels from many products.

 I'm not giving you all the nitty gritty details here. There's a lot of research out there and I don't claim to be an expert at all. I just know that it's something I think we should all be looking into further, making investigations and not taking the government at their word as far as our own personal safety. So, here are some ways to avoid it.

 From the environmental watch group: "When possible it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children's food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA. Find baby bottles in glass versions, or those made from the safer plastics including polyamine, polypropylene and polyethylene. Soft or cloudy-colored plastic does not contain BPA. Bottles used to pump and store expressed breast milk by the brand Medela are also labeled BPA-free."

Don't reheat your food in plastic contains , use glass when possible.
Metal water bottles may have linings of BPA so look for lables that say BPA free. "BPA free" plastic bottles may have trace amounts so take that into consideration when purchasing.
DON'T BUY BOTTLE WATER. Bottle your own from a filter and drink that, stored in a metal thermos or BPA free bottle of course. Avoid foods that are packaged in cans and plastic whenever possible, store your food in stainless steel or glass containers.

That being said, BPA is also commonly found in the following items:
- Plastic baby bottle
- Plastic water bottles
- Sports equipment
- Medical and dental devices
- Dental fillings and sealants
- Eyeglasses lenses
- CDs and DVDs
- Household electronics
- Almost all food and beverage cans
- Receipt paper
- Water pipe lining

And this list goes on and on I'm sure. So this isn't an entirely unavoidable product, but it is important to try to do what you can, especially if you have children, are pregnant or hope to soon be pregnant. Make yourself and others around you aware! More studying clearly needs to be done into this matter and it will never happen without enough consumer demand!