Plastics are everywhere today and are used for numerous different purposes. However, research is starting to reveal that some of their components may be damaging to our health. The component many individuals are particularly concerned about is Bisphenol A. This is found in the hard, clear plastics often used for making bottles and many other items used to contain food and beverages. Concern about exposure has arisen to the extent that many companies now produce BPA free plastic containers. It is possible to source them more easily now, including from online stores.
This chemical caught the attention of researchers when it appeared to be affecting mice. This was established to come from the plastic water bottles and cages being used. Many animal studies have been published since then, finding a significant relationship between negative effects on health and exposure to even a small amount of this substance.
The major problem associated with this chemical is that it does not just stay put but leaches into food or beverages. This effect is accelerated when a container is heated up in a microwave or even washed in a dishwasher. This is because the chemical bonds unravel with heating, washing or even exposure to acidic foods.
The effects of this chemical in the body are suspected to be widespread. It appears to act as an endocrine disrupter, mimicking estrogen and disturbing the delicate balance of hormones. This is thought to result in all sorts of problems from breast and prostate cancer to increased chances of becoming obese. Although we are not absolutely sure yet about the effects on human health, there is enough evidence to make individuals aware that it is better to minimize their exposure.
Women who want to have children and those who are already pregnant should be particularly careful of exposure. Some animal studies suggest that fetuses and newborns are harmed most when exposed to the chemical, even if it is in small doses. It has been linked to genetic defects and miscarriages.
Polycarbonate plastics are used widely in the manufacture of many items. This included food and drink packaging like water and infant bottles. Epoxy resins are used to coat metal products such as food cans and bottle tops. Increasing awareness on the part of consumers means that pressure is being placed on manufacturers to find alternatives.
More and more BPA-free products are now available and they are labeled as BPA-free. If a product is not labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA. If one is serious about reducing exposure, it is best to avoid these.
It is hard to eliminate all exposure as BPA can sometimes be found in extremely unlikely places. It does make sense, however, to attempt to reduce exposure as far as possible. There are a range of containers available today, including from online stores, that are labeled BPA-free.
This chemical caught the attention of researchers when it appeared to be affecting mice. This was established to come from the plastic water bottles and cages being used. Many animal studies have been published since then, finding a significant relationship between negative effects on health and exposure to even a small amount of this substance.
The major problem associated with this chemical is that it does not just stay put but leaches into food or beverages. This effect is accelerated when a container is heated up in a microwave or even washed in a dishwasher. This is because the chemical bonds unravel with heating, washing or even exposure to acidic foods.
The effects of this chemical in the body are suspected to be widespread. It appears to act as an endocrine disrupter, mimicking estrogen and disturbing the delicate balance of hormones. This is thought to result in all sorts of problems from breast and prostate cancer to increased chances of becoming obese. Although we are not absolutely sure yet about the effects on human health, there is enough evidence to make individuals aware that it is better to minimize their exposure.
Women who want to have children and those who are already pregnant should be particularly careful of exposure. Some animal studies suggest that fetuses and newborns are harmed most when exposed to the chemical, even if it is in small doses. It has been linked to genetic defects and miscarriages.
Polycarbonate plastics are used widely in the manufacture of many items. This included food and drink packaging like water and infant bottles. Epoxy resins are used to coat metal products such as food cans and bottle tops. Increasing awareness on the part of consumers means that pressure is being placed on manufacturers to find alternatives.
More and more BPA-free products are now available and they are labeled as BPA-free. If a product is not labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA. If one is serious about reducing exposure, it is best to avoid these.
It is hard to eliminate all exposure as BPA can sometimes be found in extremely unlikely places. It does make sense, however, to attempt to reduce exposure as far as possible. There are a range of containers available today, including from online stores, that are labeled BPA-free.
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