What is Bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a synthetic compound that is primarily used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Some common products that may contain BPA include water bottles, sport bottles, baby bottles, cans, dental sealants and composites, electronics, and thermal paper receipts. BPA is able to leach out of these polycarbonate and epoxy materials, especially if the plastic is heated, scratched, or exposed to acidic or basic conditions. This leaching allows BPA to seep into our food and drink.
Health Concerns of BPA Exposure
Numerous scientific studies have linked BPA exposure to various health issues. Some of the main health concerns associated with BPA include increased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, neurological conditions, reproductive issues, and cancer. Animal studies have found that even low doses of BPA can disrupt the endocrine and reproductive systems, especially in fetal and adolescent development when organs are still forming. This is concerning given how ubiquitous BPA exposure is. Studies have detected BPA in the bodies of over 90% of adults and children tested in the United States.
Regulatory Actions on BPA
Several regulatory bodies have taken action to restrict or ban the use of BPA in certain products due to the potential health risks. In Canada, BPA is now prohibited from use in polycarbonate infant bottles and sippy cups. The European Union has banned the use of BPA in baby bottles as well. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has stated that BPA is safe at current exposure levels based mainly on industry-backed studies. However, several states such as Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington have banned BPA in children’s products without FDA approval. Many manufacturers have also voluntarily removed BPA from their products in response to consumer demand and concerns over health effects.
Plastics Containing BPA to Avoid
While it may be challenging to completely avoid BPA exposure given how prevalent it is in our environment, consumers can take some steps to limit their contact with the chemical. Some plastics that commonly contain BPA and are best avoided include polycarbonate bottles and sippy cups, plastic food containers and food storage containers coded with recycling number “7”, canned food linings, and thermal paper receipts. Glass, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastics are safer alternatives for food and beverage containers. Be wary of items labeled with “BPA-free” as well, as they may contain similar chemicals like BPS that pose comparable health risks.
Safer Substitution is Required
Since conclusive studies show negative long-term health effects from even very low doses of BPA, the precautionary principle indicates that safer substitutes should replace BPA wherever possible. Regulatory bodies must adopt a health-protective approach rather than rely primarily on risk assessments conducted by the chemical industry. While some bans on BPA in certain products represent progress, widespread systemic changes are still needed, as BPA continues to leach into the bodies of nearly everyone on a daily basis from our food system, consumer products, and receipts. Furthermore, alternative plastizers like BPS may not truly be safer replacements and require their own studies. The chemical industry must invest in developing plastics that do not pose biological harms, while manufacturers and retailers should provide non-toxic alternatives to common BPA-containing items.
Natural Alternatives to BPA
Thankfully, motivated companies are creating safer options for consumers concerned about BPA and other endocrine-disrupting plastic chemicals. Some good natural alternatives to common BPA-based plastics and products include glass water bottles, stainless steel containers and tumblers, wooden and bamboo products, traditionally glazed pottery, untreated cast iron cookware, and non-dye thermal paper receipts. Silicone and hard plastics marked with recycling numbers “2”, “4”, “5” and absent of “7” are generally considered low risk as well. Consumers can gradually transition product by product to fully non-toxic materials whenever possible. By supporting businesses providing these solutions through our purchasing power, a true pathway away from harmful chemicals like BPA can emerge.
Exposure to BPA is virtually unavoidable in modern consumer products and the food system. As scientific evidence clearly indicates BPA poses health dangers, a precautionary response is sensible to protect public health, especially with developing fetuses and children. While progress has occurred through some bans, widespread regulatory and industrial changes are still required to transition away from BPA and similar endocrine-disrupting plastics. Natural and non-toxic alternatives already exist today. Continued consumer education and demand for these safer solutions can help drive this necessary transition towards a toxic-free future.
