Bisphenol a (BPA) is Back in the News

For those who didn't catch the news on "bisphenol A" the first time around, it's the chemical that is found to be in plastic bottles and other plastic containers and products. When these plastic bottles (or containers) are heated, this chemical is released into whatever liquid or food happens to be in them. If ingested, it can become potentially dangerous to a person's health.

A few months ago, warnings were put out via the media, to educate people on the dangers of bisphenol A in plastic bottles (both infant bottles and plastic water bottles), especially to women and children. It was believed that infant bottles, when heated by either hot running water, dishwashers or the micro wave, the chemical was released into the baby's formula or milk, thus being ingested by the infant. It was suggested that this chemical, which acts much in the same manner as estrogen, could pose a serious health threat by altering one's cell function, causing either cancer, infertility (later in life), learning disorders, thyroid problems and even possibly diabetes.

It was also suggested in the media months ago, that plastic water bottles could also pose these same dangers to adults, women in particular. If one were to leave bottled water standing in a warm place (such as in their vehicles or sitting in the sun), the chemical bisphenol A is activated. When ingested, the health risks could potentially be the same. This can be a serious danger as many people are now carrying around these convenient plastic water bottles as they go jogging, shopping, to work or school. it has almost become a fashion statement or "fad" to have them on one's person, yet they have the potential for being extremely dangerous.

Because of this danger, many infant bottles were taken off the market and replaced by bisphenol A -free bottles. It is strongly recommended that consumers check the labels when purchasing infant bottles or sippy cups. The products that are free of bisphenol A will be clearly labeled. Canada has in fact, proposed banning all infant bottles containing bisphenol A from being sold in stores across the country.

Bisphenol A is now thought to carry a link to heart disease as well (as stated in the Canadian Press, via the Associated Press, Sept. 16, 2008). However, this study is still in preliminary stages, but research, nonetheless, raises the question as to whether this might indeed be factual.

Still, we have all come to know the dangerous effects of plastics in our modern day society. With ever increasing cases of these diseases and health conditions, there is a greater probability that plastics are the cause (or one of the major causes). It's always better to err on the side of caution, especially when our health, and especially the health of our children, are at risk.

Some ways to avoid bisphenol A from seeping into your food or beverages are to:

* only purchase plastics that are stated to be free of the chemical
* heat or re-heat food and beverages in glass containers
* carry your water (or energy drinks) in containers other than plastic water bottles
* never use plastic wrap when heating food in the micro wave
* don't put food or beverages into plastic containers that have just been taken from either the dishwasher or hot water.

Although these studies have only been conducted on laboratory animals, it only stands to reason that this chemical can also affect humans. It's always best to be informed of any or all possibilities that can someday affect our own health.