Scientists first synthesized the molecule Bisphenol A (BPA) in 1891. Since then, it has become a component of nearly every plastic produced in the U.S., from baby bottles to wholesale plastic bags to polyester. Within the past few years, government agencies all over the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have become concerned about the effects that BPA may have on the human body. For this reason, the agency has banned BPA from use in baby bottles and children’s sippy cups, and many companies have begun to voluntarily manufacture products without BPA.

What’s Wrong With BPA?

Scientists believe that high temperatures, such as those occurring within a microwave or dishwasher, can release BPA from containers and allow it to leach into food and beverages. When the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tested a large swath of urine samples in 2004 to find out which chemicals were prevalent in the human body, nearly all of the samples contained BPA.

While the chemical is unlikely to affect adults, scientists have become concerned about how it may affect fetuses, infants and young children. BPA mimics estrogen when it comes into contact with certain receptors in the human body. In animal studies, BPA has spurred the growth of breast cancer cells, decreased male sperm counts and impaired female fertility. According to the National Toxicology Program, researchers are concerned about the effects of BPA on the brains and behavior of all young and developing children. They also have concerns about the way BPA can affect the prostate glands of young male children.

Manufacturing Plastics and Resins Without BPA

Government agencies have begun to provide incentives to promote the manufacture of BPA-free products. For instance, the EPA’s Design for Environment program is calling for BPA-free methods for manufacturing receipt tape, currency and other printed papers. Unfortunately, some BPA stand-ins, like Bisphenol S (BPS), have effects on human endocrinology similar to the chemical they were designed to replace. Outside of the Bisphenol family, however, are compounds that can provide food storage without negative effects. Some of these compounds include:

  • Tritan copolyester. This chemical, according to its manufacturer, does not bind to human hormone receptors, although more research needs to be done.
  • High-density polyethylene. HDPE, or Plastic “2,” is used to make non-transparent containers.
  • Polypropylene. This compound is most commonly used by baby bottle manufacturers to replace BPA.
  • Polyethylene terephthalate. Plastic “1” is typically used in single-use soda containers, although pilot programs are underway to produce versions that can withstand repeated use.

Lowering Your BPA Exposure

If you have young children, then limiting their exposure to BPA is a wise precaution. Families can lower the amount of the chemical in their environments by taking some simple steps.

  • Avoid polycarbonate plastics. Polycarbonate plastics may be either clear or colored, and they are usually marked with the number “7.”
  • Stop purchasing canned foods. Resins which include BPA are often used to coat the insides of cans containing soups and vegetables. Also, nearly all aluminum cans are coated with BPA, although steel cans usually aren’t. Buy canned foods in cardboard containers instead, or purchase frozen versions.
  • Choose not to heat polycarbonate plastics in the microwave. If you store food in polycarbonate containers, then pour your food into a microwave-safe container before heating it in a microwave and serving it.
  • Wash polycarbonate plastics by hand. Avoid placing these plastics in a dishwasher, particularly if you use harsh detergent.
  • Pick safer containers for food storage. Glass, porcelain or stainless steel may be safer choices for storing hot foods and liquids.
  • Purchase BPA-free products. Many companies are now manufacturing products like wholesale plastic bags with a “BPA-free” label. You may also review company websites to see if they provide written certification that their products are BPA-free.

Living a life without BPA has become easier as consumers have demanded a replacement to the compound. Just make sure when you’re purchasing wholesale plastic bags, baby bottles, water bottles or canned foods that your BPA alternative is not just as unhealthy as the real thing.

About the Author: Gerard O’Bannon is a chemist who has worked for numerous plastics manufacturers. He provides public health policy consultation related to chemicals for companies around the world.

 Disclaimer:  This is a partnered post.