In today’s health-conscious world, it’s crucial to be aware of the chemicals we’re exposed to daily. One such chemical, BPA (Bisphenol A), is widely known for its role as an endocrine disruptor, mimicking estrogen and potentially leading to cumulative health effects. While our bodies can handle small amounts, certain life stages like pregnancy or breastfeeding demand greater caution. Some of the potential health effects linked to BPA exposure include:
- Hormonal Disruption: BPA can mimic estrogen, potentially interfering with hormonal balance and leading to reproductive issues.
- Developmental Effects: Exposure to BPA during pregnancy or early childhood may affect fetal and child development, possibly leading to behavioural problems and developmental delays.
- Metabolic Issues: Some studies suggest a link between BPA exposure and obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
- Cardiovascular Health: There is some evidence indicating that BPA exposure may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
- Cancer Risk: While more research is needed, some studies have suggested a potential link between BPA exposure and certain types of cancer, particularly hormone-related cancers.
Where can you find BPA?
BPA is commonly found in certain types of plastics, particularly polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It’s often used in products like water bottles, baby bottles, food containers and even the lining of canned goods. Additionally, some food packaging may contain trace amounts of substances like BPA if they are in contact with certain resins or coatings.
Regulations:
- The EU banned BPA in food contact materials on December 19, 2024. This ban applies to products like reusable plastic bottles, metal cans, and water coolers. France has gone one step further and banned its use in all food packaging, containers and utensils.
- In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated the BPA safety level in human bodies and set a new tolerable daily (TDI) intake which is 20,000 times lower than the 2015 TDI evaluated.
- The EU and UK banned BPA in thermal paper receipts, tickets, and sticky labels in January 2020.
The EU banned BPA in plastic bottles and packaging for babies and children under three years in September 2018. The UK currently follows the old EU BPA safety level enacted in 2015, which carried over after Brexit, which is 20,000 higher than the 2023 TDI.
What Can You Do?
- Opt for Safer Alternatives: Use materials like glass, porcelain, or stainless steel for cooking and storage.
- Increase Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli and cauliflower help combat the effects of endocrine disruptors.
- Home Solutions: Consider installing a water filter and using machines for homemade carbonated water to reduce reliance on plastic bottles.
Special Consideration for Vulnerable Groups:
Infants, children, and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to BPA’s effects. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid plastic containers for feeding and storing food for these groups.
Want to find more information?
Here are a few reputable organizations and resources that often publish research on this topic:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): They provide access to a wide range of studies and articles related to health and environmental chemicals.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC has information on chemical exposure and health effects, including BPA.
- World Health Organisation (WHO): WHO offers guidance and reports on various chemicals, including endocrine disruptors like BPA.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA provides information on chemical safety and health assessments.
- Peer-reviewed journals: Searching databases like PubMed or Google Scholar can help you find specific studies on BPA and its health effects.
It’s worth mentioning that there are several other chemicals, similar to BPA, that have raised health concerns and may not yet be fully regulated.
By making informed choices and advocating for safer product standards, we can protect our health and the environment. Let’s start a conversation on fostering a safer, BPA-minimised lifestyle.
We got inspired to write this post by looking at Dr. Eric Berg video:
