How To Avoid Exposure To BPA

Why BPA Is A Major Concern To Your Health?

Did you know that more than 90% of us have BPA in our bodies right now. We get most of it by eating foods that have been stored in containers made with BPA, but can also pick it up through air, dust and water.

You have probably heard of the dangers of drinking from water bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been used to make variety of consumer supplies (water and baby bottles, water pipes, epoxy resins for coating in food containers, CDs, sports equipment, etc.) It has been used commercially since 1957.

In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate glands in children, babies and developing fetuses. In 2010, Canada became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance.  Recently, the United States have banned BPA use in baby bottles. But it is still allowed for many other purposes.

Use these tips to identify whether or not your water bottle is BPA-free:

• Read the product label! Some manufacturers label their products to indicate that they are BPA-free. If it is not listed on the label, call the manufacturer or visit their website to request or find product information.
• Check the recycling label on the bottom of the container. Plastic containers marked with the recycling symbol “3” or “7” are more likely to contain BPA than containers marked with other numbers.
• If you are still feeling unsure about your current water bottle, it is time to choose a new, worry-free bottle. More and more BPA-free products have come to market

Steps to reduce your exposure to BPA:

• Reduce your use of canned foods since most cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.
• Avoid heat. Do not microwave plastic containers or put them in the dishwasher, because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to trickle into foods.
• Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.