Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound found in polycarbonate plastics which is used to manufacture many types of household articles including baby bottles. Recent scientific evidence found BPA to be harmful in that it plays a role in numerous diseases including diabetes, liver disease, heart disease and cancer.

This industrial chemical has been present in many hard plastic containers and metal-based beverage and food cans since the 1960s. Polycarbonate plastic is a high-performance and lightweight plastic which possesses a unique balance of optical clarity, high heat resistance, toughness and electrical resistance. It is used in producing digital media (CDs, DVDs), electrical and electronic equipment, among other things. Recent studies found that BPA is harmful in that it plays a role in numerous diseases including diabetes, liver disease, heart disease and cancer.

Dangers of BPA

BPA is especially dangerous for babies as BPA molecules are easily transmitted into milk and other fluids in the bottle, especially so when it is heated or micro waved. The degree to which BPA leaches from polycarbonate bottles into liquid may depend on the temperature of the liquid or bottle.

BPA has a structure similar to estrogen and for this reason it is referred to as a “hormone disruptor”, indicating interference with the natural human hormones, especially in young children which may lead to neurological and developmental problems. It has raised some concern about the potential effects on behaviour, the brain and prostate gland in fetuses, infants and young children. This fact has persuaded many countries including Canada, Denmark, France, China and Malaysia to ban the use of BPA in products such as baby bottles.

Identification

To know if a polycarbonate container such as a baby bottle contains BPA, check if the product is marked with the recycling code number 3 or 7 on the bottom (a sign of BPA presence) or contact the manufacturer to confirm.

Metal food cans are more difficult to identify as they are not labeled but since food cans are often heated during the canning process, it is very likely that some BPA has leaked into the food.

Prevention

Protective measures include:

    • Avoiding baby bottles not clearly stipulated as free of BPA
    • Reducing usage of canned food
    • Never microwaving polycarbonate plastic food container
    • Opting for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables which usually contain more nutrients and fewer preservatives than canned foods
    • Opting for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers in particular for hot foods and liquids. Highly acidic foods such as tomato sauce leach more BPA from the lining of cans and it would therefore be better to choose brands contained in glass jars or bottles.
    • Foods packaged in cardboard cartons manufactured of layers of polyethylene plastic and aluminum (labeled with a number 2 recycling code) are safer than cans with plastic linings containing BPA.

 

Sources
http://www.bisphenol-a.org
http://www.cbc.ca
http://environment.about.com
http://www.health24.com
http://home.howstuffworks.com
http://www.niehs.nih.gov