By now you probably have heard of the dangers of BPA or Bisphenol A especially as it relates to water bottles. But what are the specific concerns associated with this chemical?
Bisphenol A is known as an endocrine disruptor which as the name implies interferes with the body’s endocrine system of hormone-secreting glands. One of the more specific and serious effects of BPA is in relation to the reproductive system.
The Findings
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “Research shows that endocrine disruptors may pose the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural systems are forming.”
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences demonstrated that gestational exposure to the estrogen mimic-chemical BPA altered the developing mammary glands of monkeys; this is the same level of BPA commonly found in humans. If BPA can have this effect on monkeys, what effect is it having on humans?
Yet another study from Stanford University, the University of California San Francisco and the University of Missouri found that women with levels of BPA in the highest quartile are at significantly increased risk of having a miscarriage.
If you are concerned about getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to full term then you may want to consider reducing your exposure to BPA.
Where is BPA found?
BPA is not some obscure chemical with limited exposure; it is in fact widespread and consequently has raised concern. Here are some of the common BPA offenders:
- Linings of canned foods
- Polycarbonate tableware
- Food storage containers
- Baby bottles
- Water bottles
Practical tips
Plastic and heat are a force for BPA chemical release that you don’t want to reckon with. Try to avoid cooking or warming food in plastic or drinking out of water bottles that have been in the sun. If possible, use products marked BPA-free or use steel, ceramic or glass containers. One of the covert BPA exposures is through cash register receipts coated with resins containing BPA.
Living in a BPA saturated environment, avoiding all exposure – unrealistic; reducing exposure – manageable.