BPA Exposure: Risks, Sources & How to Minimize Contact

Just when everyone decided to start drinking water, another danger arises. Many plastic containers contain polycarbonate, which has been known to leak bisphenol A (BPA). It has also been found in the lining of some canned foods. Scientists have documented issues related to the consumption of BPA. Although the results are not unanimous, it is prudent to take some precautions related to BPA.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep BPA away from pregnant women in any form. This means that women who are pregnant or think they are pregnant will need to avoid canned foods and bottled water. In animal testing, BPA has been linked to fertility issues and childhood behavioral problems.

• 2

  Wash polycarbonate products by hand. Plastics containing this particular chemical break down faster when subjected to the harsh washing process of a dishwasher. This handling of plastic may expedite the BPA leaking process.

• 3

  Use glass or plastic containing polyethyelene verses polycarbonate. Specifically, in baby bottles, this is a good practice to avoid further exposure of a child to BPA. Food products in cardboard brick cartons are also an alternative to the BPA plastics.

• 4

  Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. It's a good thing for a variety of reasons, but in this case, it eliminates the BPA issue all together. Seek food that is in season and avoid items that have been canned and shipped, unless distributed by manufacturers that avoid BPA like edenfoods.com.