Did you know BPA (bisphenol-A) is detectable in the bodies of more than 95% of the population?
Did you know that BPA may make infant girls more aggressive by “masculinizing” their brains?
BPA is an estrogen-like, plastic-hardening chemical added to many everyday items. Plastics containing BPA may be called polysulfone, polycarbonate or lexan. BPA activates estrogen receptors and mimics the female hormone, estrogen. BPA is associated with hormone changes such as ↓testosterone and ↑estrogen.
Health conditions caused from BPA exposure:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes & insulin resistance
- Enlarged prostates
- Hyperactivity
- Impaired immune function
- Infertility
- Liver problems
- Obesity/increased fat
- Structural damage to the brain
- Thyroid disruption
The main source of BPA in people is from residues in food, leaching out of polycarbonate & resin packaging such as drink containers, canned foods and canned beverages. One can be exposed to BPA through dental sealants, inhalation of household dusts & dermal exposure, cash register receipts, plastic utensils & tons of other everyday products.
Sensitive groups such as kids and pregnant women should avoid consumption of canned foods and beverages. A 2006 study in the journal Chemistry & Biology found a link between BPA and breast cancer. In January, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that they have “concerns” about the chemical’s potential effects on brain development of fetuses, infants and children.
How can you reduce your exposure to BPA? Avoid products with plastic. This includes avoiding canned foods, plastic water bottles, baby bottles/sippy cups/pacifiers, plastic wrap, canned beverages (soda, juices, beer), etc. Especially avoid anything that contains the #7 recycling symbol. Avoid use of plastic containers in microwaves or washing them in the dishwasher. Ceramic and glass are healthier alternatives to store your food. Canned foods with the highest levels of BPA include canned green beans, infant formula, ravioli, and canned soups, specifically chicken soup.
Protect yourself. Why take a chance when there are alternatives?
Sources: http://www.ewg.org/node/20934; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180559.php; Book: The Female Brain; Environmental Health Perspectives 2009 Dec;117(12):1945-52.; NaturalNews.com February 16, 2010; SAToday.com October 6, 2009; Journal of the American Medical Association September 16, 2008; 300(11):1303-1310.; Environmental Working Group, Bisphenol-A
