Frequently Asked Questions about BPA
Q: Is it true Canada banned BPA as a toxic substance?
A: Yes, in October 2008, Canada passed a ban on baby bottles containing BPA. Baby bottles that contain BPA plastics are not allowed to be imported, exported, manufactured or sold in Canada. In 2008, there was a motion to add BPA to the Toxic Substances List but the Canadian federal government only placed a ban on baby bottles made with BPA and limited the legal amount of BPA in infant formula cans. In October 2010, Canada became the first country to list BPA as a toxic substance.
Q: Why is BPA used?
A: BPA is an industrial chemical used as a key factor in creating polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic is lightweight, durable in high temperatures (thermal or electric) and virtually unbreakable. This benefit-rich plastic is used in the production of many products such as baby bottles, drink containers, DVDs, etc. Epoxy resins, used to make adhesives and protective coatings, are applied in the production of a multitude of consumer items from food cans to automobiles.
Q: How do I avoid BPA?
A: Since BPA is so widely used, it is unlikely that you will fully avoid BPA intake. There are, however, ways to reduce or limit BPA contact. To avoid BPA in baby bottles, look for BPA-free labels on plastic or use glass bottles. To avoid BPA in canned foods, rinse canned vegetables and fruits prior to consumption or eat frozen or fresh produce. BPA in plastic water bottles and food containers have less BPA than metal containers. To determine if a plastic contains BPA, polycarbonate or epoxy resins check the recycling code. Plastics with the number ‘7’ or ‘PC’ contain one of these substances. Recycling codes 1, 2 and 4 indicate they are BPA-free. Lastly, avoid BPA intake by removing plastic packaging before microwaving food or beverages.
Q: Does BPA impact Fetal Development?
A: The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences did a study of BPA effects on pregnant rats and mice. Results from this and other studies have shown the BPA can seep into the placenta and cause low birth weight, early onset puberty and an increase in miscarriages. Studies on the effects of BPA on the maternal parent have shown: mammary gland alterations and possible increases in cancer. These studies have yet to be conducted on humans and the effects of BPA have not been clearly outlined.
Q: Is there an increased risk of Breast Cancer with BPA?
A: With the evidence that it increases cell growth causing tumors, BPA is considered to increase the chance of breast cancer. In studies conducted on rats and mice, BPA exposure has produced the effect of mammary gland alteration. Increases in pre-cancerous lesions and situ tumors were identifiable after BPA prenatal exposure. BPA also altered mammary gland gene expressions. When tested on human breast cancer cells, BPA altered the breast cell responsiveness, growth and caused direct damage to the DNA. Another experiment discovered that BPA decreases the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Q: How do I determine if a product is made with BPA?
A: With the rise in concerns over the effects of BPA, indication labels can now be found on BPA-free products. Not all food and beverage containers are made of polycarbonate plastic (which is created with BPA). Look for either a label stating the product material or buy acrylic, SAN or tritan. You can also determine the plastic type by examining the recycling code, located on the bottom of the product. Recycling code ‘7’ is used for polycarbonate plastic. Recycling codes 1, 2 and 4 indicate the item is BPA-free.
Resources:
http://www.bisphenol-a.org
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/chemicals-glossary/bisphenol-a.html
http://www.ewg.org/bisphenol-a-info
http://www.infantrisk.com/content/bisphenol-effects
http://safemama.com/2008/04/17/bisphenol-a-bpa-crash-course/
Iso T, Watanabe T, Iwamoto T, et al. (2006). DNA damage caused by bisphenol A and estradiol through estrogenic activity. Biol Pharm Bull, 29:206-210
Watson CS, Bulayeva NN, Wozniak AL, et al. (2005). Signaling from the membrane via membrane estrogen receptor-alpha: Estrogens, xenoestrogens, and phytoestrogens. Steroids, 70:364-371.