What is BPA and why is it dangerous?
BPA
Bisphenol A, BPA, is a chemical that is a key element in making polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic is used in plastic food and beverage containers as well as in baby bottles and formula containers. Epoxy resins are used as coatings in metal food and beverage containers.
BPA is a controversial substance that has been widely used since the 1960s. BPA usage is a rising issue due to the effects of BPA exposure which numerous studies have shown causes several life altering results.
These are some of the long-term effects of BPA exposure:
- Brain, behavioral and prostate gland damage of fetuses, infants and children
- Mammary gland alterations
- Increases in pre-cancerous lesions and situ tumors
- Early onset puberty
- Low birth weight
- Low material weight
- Increases in miscarriages
- Direct damage to the DNA
- Decrease in effectiveness of chemotherapy
An alarming study by Statistics Canada revealed that 91% of Canadians tested positive for BPA in their urine. Children, 6 to 11, had the highest level. Pregnant woman also had high levels of BPA in their blood and urine.
With reoccurring concerns and new results, the FDA is taking precautions and is accepting any additional results from new studies from government and non-government facilities. The FDA and National Center for Toxicological Research is conducting its own experiments focusing on the above areas of concern.