What is Bisphenol A?

There has been a lot of talk about the chemical Bisphenol A and the possible negative health effects it has on humans - but what exactly is it? Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an organic compound that is used for the production of polymer plastics, industrial-strength epoxies, dental fillings, fungicides, plastic containers, home electronics, and many other things. It has been used commercially for over 50 years and the current worldwide production of BPA is estimated to be over 3.3 million metric tons.

First created in the late 1800's, BPA's effects on animals were not extensively tested until the 1930's. Tests on laboratory mice revealed BPA's ability to mimic estrogen in the body and it was even considered a possible estrogen replacement for human consumption. However, a series of tests performed in the 1990's raised concerns about human exposure to BPA.

In the laboratory, even low-dose exposure of BPA to rats caused early developmental problems, neurotoxicity, hormone disruption, and even carcinogenic effects. BPA is now suspected to promote the precursors to breast cancer and, due to its ability to active fat-cell activity, has even been linked to obesity.

The BPA Controversy: Is BPA Dangerous?

Scientists and research firms are divided on the actual affects BPA exposure has on humans, though both sides agree that BPA causes acute health problems in laboratory animals and that over 90% of the US population, including infants and children, have measurable levels of BPA in their bodies.

As consumer awareness grows, the lack of conclusive evidence for either side of the case has caused heated debate.

The Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Drug Agency, the plastics industry, and others have insisted that normal, everyday exposure to BPA is not harmful to humans. However, the US National Institutes of Health, the US National Toxicology Program, Canada's Department of Health, and other federal and private organizations have expressed concern over BPA's toxicity and have called for more independent study. A recent article by the Washington Post, discussing the influence funding has had on BPA study results, illustrates the intensity and depth of this controversy.

The Search for BPA Free Alternatives

Meanwhile, parents and other health-conscience consumers have began taking active steps to reduce BPA exposure in the home. An entire industry of BPA free products has surfaced as big box retailers like Toys R' Us, Patagonia, Whole Foods Markets, and even Wal-Mart have emptied their shelves of many products containing BPA.

It is known that most BPA exposure occurs through ingestion, prompting water bottle, toy, and food container companies to create BPA free alternatives. Polycarbonate plastics, the main suspect in BPA leaching through plastics, are becoming more and more scarce among top name brand products.

How to limit your exposure

Daily BPA exposure comes from 4 major sources; water bottles, baby bottles and sippy cups, storage containers, and canned foods. By replacing polycarbonate containers and slightly modifying your eating habits, you can help limit BPA exposure to yourself and your family.

Water Bottles

Water bottles are everywhere. For years, the scientific equipment company, Nalge Nunc International dominated the market with their Nalgene water bottles. Using cheap and durable polycarbonate plastic, they scored huge profits while reusable water bottles became nearly ubiquitous in everyday life. Other companies such as Camelbak and Rubbermaid also shared in the spotlight.

That is until recently.

As BPA awareness spread, consumers began looking for alternatives to polycarbonate. Some have switched to metal bottles, such as Sigg and Klean Kanteen though many people have voiced concern over the possibility of BPA occurring in Sigg’s inner-bottle epoxy lining, the contents of which are a secret. Others have claimed a metallic taste when using Klean Kanteen’s stainless steel bottles.