Should You Be Worried About BPA
With all the different advice given by experts on health and wellbeing, it is very easy to become a little confused. While you may have heard the term BPA, you may have wondered what it actually is and whether you should be concerned about it.
What is BPA?
BPA or bisphenol A is an industrial chemical, used in the manufacture of a number of different types of resins and plastics. These types of plastic are often used to produce food containers and water bottles, while BPA resins are often used as a coating inside bottle tops and cans. BPA gained a great deal of attention in recent years as there has been growing concern about the possibility that BPA could seep into food and drinks when they have been stored in containers made using BPA.
Is There a Danger:
According to the FDA, low levels of BPA commonly found in foods and drinks are safe. Still, the FDA is committed to continuing to review BPA and many consumers have taken steps to try to avoid using containers which were made using BPA. This approach has been considered a positive measure since there has been research conducted, such as the study from the University of California which suggests that BPA exposure is harmful to health especially in the case of pregnant women.
Avoiding BPA:
There are a number of simple measures which can be taken to avoid exposure to BPA. This includes looking out for BPA free plastic bottles and food containers. Some manufacturers have recognized that consumers may wish to avoid BPA, so have begun offering their food products and beverages in non BPA packaging. These manufacturers will usually advertise this very clearly on their packaging materials. If you are unsure about whether a plastic bottle or container was made using BPA, you may find that the item contains the recycle codes 3 or 7 on the product label.
Another step to minimize the risk of BPA exposure is to reduce the use of canned foods in your diet. Many cans are lined with a BPA resin. You should also be careful when microwaving BPA containers. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, polycarbonate plastics can break down over time due to high temperatures, increasing the risk of BPA exposure. It is a good idea to instead to choose ceramic, porcelain or glass containers in the microwave to avoid exposure.
It is also a good idea to consider purchasing a reusable water bottle, to avoid using disposable plastic bottles containing BPA. This will allow you to carry drinking water as and when you need it, without the risk of needing to search out BPA free bottles in stores.
If you do have a small child, you should try to avoid using plastic bottles containing BPA, as babies are especially vulnerable to BPA exposure. There is a wide range of baby bottles available, which are manufactured without the use of BPA.
Although the FDA has not confirmed that BPA is dangerous enough to be banned, if you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of your family, you may wish to consider limiting BPA exposure. With some basic precautions, you can eliminate BPA from your home and ensure that your family is safe and well.
About The Author:
Greg Scott is President of Valparaiso based Miracle/EcoWater Systems, the premier water conditioning company in Northwest Indiana serving the Lake, Porter and LaPorte County areas. A 3rd generation water treatment professional, Greg grew up in the family owned business started by his grandfather in the late fifties. He has made water treatment his life and under his direction and high-standards, the company’s water treatment experience, knowledge, and products are unrivaled in region.
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