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By now, most people have at lease a passing familiarity with BPA, a chemical found in many plastics, and make an effort to avoid it, yet many of us still miss some of the hidden sources.
What is BPA?
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a synthetic estrogen used in making many plastic products like plastic bottles, baby bottles, children’s toys and even medical devices. It is also part of the epoxy resin that lines many metal cans, like those used for canned vegetables, fruits and meats.
An average 6 billion pounds of this chemical are produced each year.
The Problems with BPA
Many people avoid bisphenol-A after reports showed that it is an endocrine disruptor and that it may raise blood pressure. (1,2) BPA can leach into foods from plastic bottles or canned goods. Some factors, like the temperature of what is stored in the plastic/can and its acidity can affect the amount of bisphenol-A that transfers into the food or drink.
Though it has been found in air, water and dust, the main source of BPA exposure for most humans is foods and drinks stored in containers that contain it.
But does it end up in your body? Short answer- yes…
Long answer- A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) study found detectable levels of BPA in the urine of 93% of people (6 and up) who were tested. Additionally, it has been found in breastmilk and newborn babies, suggesting that it might store in the body and could potentially cross the placenta.(3,4)
Since it is an endocrine disruptor,bisphenol-A may also lead to hormone imbalance, infertility, early puberty, increased risk of reproductive cancers, low sperm count and other hormone-related problems.
Other research has shown a link between BPA and asthma, obesity and breast cancer.
While the dangers of bisphenol-A were once thought to be most harmful if used regularly over time, recent research has shown that even a one-time exposure can create problems within a few hours. The study compared two groups of people: those who drank a beverage from a BPA-lined can and those who drank the same beverage from a glass container.
The researchers found that those who drank from the BPA-lined cans had a rise in BPA in their urine within two hours… and a rise in blood pressure during the same time period. (In fact, those who drank from the BPA lined cans had a 16 times higher level of BPA in their urine.
We already knew from past research that bisphenol-A can increase the risk of hypertension, blood pressure problems and heart rate variability (5), but now we know that this is an almost immediate change.
Canada banned BPA from children’s products in 2010, and many other countries have taken this step as well. China, France, Denmark, Belgium and Austria all limit BPAs use in food.
There are many reasons to consider avoiding bisphenol-A, but actually doing so can be much more difficult that you’d think…
Hidden Sources of Bisphenol-A
We know that BPA is found in many plastics and especially water bottles (which is one of the many reasons to avoid them), but it may also be hiding in places you wouldn’t expect:
- Canned Goods: It is often used in the lining of the cans used for vegetables, soups, fruits and other foods. Since it is present during the high-heat canning and sterilization process, it may be present in even higher levels in these foods. Solution: Use fresh or frozen fruits and veggies.
- Receipts: Paper receipts are often lined with BPA. This includes airline receipts, movie tickets and any receipts printed on thermal paper. The EWG warns that it can transfer to your hand from the receipt and enter your body through your skin or if you touch food or your mouth. Solution: Skip the receipt. Even if you get and recycle the receipt, it may contaminate recycled paper products like toilet paper.
- Dental Sealants: Dental sealants and composites can contain bisphenol-A. Solution: Talk to your dentist before any dental work.
- Plastic Wrap: Often contains bisphenol-A and other plastic chemicals. Solution: Use parchment paper, glass storage containers or homemade food wrap instead.
- Coffee Pot: Sadly, many coffee pots are a source of BPA and since hot water is used, there is a higher chance of it leaching into food. Solution: Use a French Press or Glass Kettle instead.
- Soda Cans: So there are many other reasons you shouldn’t be drinking soda, but you can add this to the list. Even “healthier” sodas made with stevia can have BPA in the lining. Solution: Avoid drinking soda.
- Plastic and Paper Cups: Plastic cups often contain bisphenol-A, but paper cups are often lined with it too. Solution: Bring your own reusable mug (and the planet will thank you too).
- Other Kitchen Plastics: Bisphenol-A is also found in many kitchen plastics besides water bottles, including plastic food storage, plates, utensils and cups. Here is a good guide to going BPA-free in your kitchen and a review of my favorite plastic-free water bottle.
- CDs and DVDs: A small source, but consider switching to digital copies of your favorite music and movies.
Beyond BPA: Other Plastic Problems
Recently, someone tried to give me a water bottle at a chiropractors office. I replied that I don’t use plastic and she replied that “Oh, don’t worry, it is BPA free. Most plastics are now so there is really nothing to worry about.” And I cringed…
Here’s the thing- BPA is certainly one of the bigger problems with plastics, but it is by no means the only one. In fact, some of the BPA-free alternatives may be just as harmful, or more so.
I think that one of the few negative effects of the widespread awareness of the problems with bisphenol-A is the safety many people feel when using BPA-free alternatives.
Products labeled as BPA-free often contain substitutes like bisphenol-S or bisphenol-F, both of which were found to have just as much of a hormonal effect (or more) than bisphenol-A.(6)
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sums it up well:
Here we demonstrate that bisphenol A exposure during a time point analogous to the second trimester in humans has real and measurable effects on brain development and behavior. Furthermore, our study is the first, to our knowledge, to show that bisphenol S, a replacement used in BPA-free products, equally affects neurodevelopment. These findings suggest that BPA-free products are not necessarily safe and support a societal push to remove all structurally similar bisphenol analogues and other compounds with endocrine-disruptive activity from consumer goods. Our data here, combined with over a dozen physiological and behavioral human studies that begin to point to the prenatal period as a BPA window of vulnerability, suggest that pregnant mothers limit exposure to plastics and receipts.
The Bottom Line
Bisphenol-A carries a lot of potential health hazards, and BPA-free substitutes may be even more harmful. Though it is difficult, the best option is to avoid plastics and other BPA-containing substances (like receipts, canned goods, etc).
The good news is that bisphenol-A has a relatively short half-life so it is possible to reduce levels quickly and drastically by avoiding common exposure.
Do you avoid BPA? What was the hardest thing for you to give up?
I have some tupperware for storing fruits and veggies (they keep longer when cut and stored in these) – I am wondering if keeping cold food in these is okay….
Since frozen fruits and veggies comes in plastic packaging I am guessing it would not be much different…
We recently bought a new kettle, (Oster 1.7 litres Stainless steel, Candy Apple Red) buying metal this time, instead of the previous plastic, because we were concerned about the possible transfer of harmful chemicals from our old kettle. I usually begin my day by drinking plain hot water, and I have now noticed that the water tastes like a bad plastic smell, if that makes sense. Although the body is made of metal, I discovered that the inside of the lid is plastic! Now I am concerned that THIS kettle is also harmful to our health. Do you have any thoughts on this, or recommendations on a healthy, affordable kettle? It gets more and more challenging to purchase even the basic things, at an affordable price, and have them not be detrimental to our health!
Thanks for the informative article! Is there a safe, non-toxic option for baby bottles and sippy cups?
These are the safest ones I’ve found https://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/category/82/?a=96418
Thanks so much, Katie!
So silicon is okay? I always assumed it was not – maybe just for storing things? I can’t imagine cooking with it…
I just wondered about the plastic bags frozen veggies come in – do they have BPA? Also – the cuppow lids for the quart jars say they are BPA free – would they be safe? I know you like to use them to drink from. I have made our kids lids with straws using the metal one piece lids that screw on the pint mason jars. E use steel straws to so nothing touches plastic. I even have a few glass lids with straw holes cut (they used to can veggies with ALL glass). We can food also (which I think you do as well) and I wondered what the coating on the bottom of the canning lids is -any ideas?
Thanks so much for making us consider these things – your articles are truly helpful!
I do the same thing with cuppow lids and that is the safest option I’ve found for the kids. They also do make BPA free canning lids now and I use these for non-canning uses where I just need an airtight seal: https://www.amazon.com/Tulid-Pack-Reusable-leak-proof-BPA-free/dp/B00IHBWRGO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=67814217dd6389e19fda6b92e147be7a&language=en_US
We’ve been trying to conceive for a few years and I’m thankful my OB told me about avoiding and reducing BPA & BPS exposure. It can be tough because it’s everywhere. Thank you for this post and helping expose the dangers.
Oh man, I never realized that fillings at the dentist cotained BPA. My young 4 year old son has a cavity on his back molar that needs to be filled. What are my alternatives to getting it filled? I certainly don’t want to fill it with that! Yet, I know something needs to be done about it.
Eek! Our receipts? That is distressing. I don’t understand how bpa is allowed to be in anything. Thank you for all the info!
Any suggestions for how to bring my food to work? I commute on my feet (walking/subway) and I use bpa-free plastic to transport my food, bc I find the glass just too heavy. I never heat the containers at work, I just eat my food cold. Any thoughts?
I’ve seen stainless steel food containers online. A bit pricier than plastic, but lighter than glass. You might also be able to find bamboo/wood bento boxes, but I’d be wary of how the wood was treated and then you have to wash them special unless you line them with paper (wax, parchment). Bamboo is very lightweight.
Here are some links to food storage/travel ideas. Both of which, I believe Katie has mentioned before as being good options. One is for making your own food wrap by mommypotamus and one is silicone food containers available on Amazon.
https://mommypotamus.com/diy-reusable-food-wrap/
https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Planet-3-Compartment-Silicone-Collapsible/dp/B0051XRYF0/ref=pd_sim_sbs_79_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1W9S9CZTA5A2S65WMY05
We love our stainless stacking tiffin – this one: https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Food-Carrier-Tier/dp/B0038N3WD8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=dbde6655eb671a734f282042121585c8&language=en_US
And we like this brand also – not quite as bulky – https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Food-Containers-Carrier/dp/B00CQ7IA5M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=28178724edec9b03ba45e8038ff2a9a9&language=en_US
They have 2 tier tiffins also – https://www.amazon.com/To-Ware-2-Tier-Stainless-Lunch/dp/B000H92LWE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=2933f7110ab41f696decbf71a17df644&language=en_US
Cool! Thanks for sharing!
So……..this can be overwhelming! I’m thinking I’m not going to turn into a germofobe over this……but…….what…..as a society…….can we do? The thought that keeps coming to my mind is: If I eat healthier, and more green, this will “de-toxify” my body, and help my immune system to stay healthy and fight off all these toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis! As a man……..I may not fully empathsize with you about BPA, but…..I have a daughter, so…….I am concerned. I try to shop at “fresh and Easy” which is a great store, not sure if they’re located as much all over the continental U.S. But……buying Organic, can be just so “dang” expensive! I’ve Phased out Aluminum based deodorant, and am phasing out the toothpaste and unhealthy shampoo as well……but this statement about plastics, just plain FREAKS ME OUT!! We can’t avoid all these unhealthy products….but what can we do to protect our children and ourselves from them?????
I hear ya! I’m about to be a new mom and it’s pretty worrisome. Take it one thing at a time is what I am doing. Replace plastics in your kitchen with glass, wood, or metal is a good place to start. Cosmetics and beauty care is another area I reduced or switched to natural products. I’m starting to see what I buy more, taking a better look at it and do I need it? Can I substitute it? It’s scary, but we can make changes.
I’m also learning a lot about the methylation pathway in our bodies that help us detoxify and how genetic mutations can reduce its efficiency. Wellness Mama talks about MTHFR, one aspect of that, but if you want to go down a complicated (and yet amazingly interesting) rabbit hole, search for “nutrigenomics” and “methylation.” Amy Yasko is the pioneer in that field, but other are taking her protocols and running with it.