What is bisphenol A and what does it do?
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a synthetic, estrogen-like substance that is found in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic is hard and clear, and is used in many reusable food and beverage containers, and epoxy resins are used to line metal cans. Although there is no conclusive proof that ingesting small amounts of BPA can adversely affect human health, studies have implicated low levels of BPA exposure in aggression, hyperactivity, breast cancer and early puberty in lab animals. How widespread is this problem? BPA is estimated to be in more than 90 percent of baby bottles and in the liners of many cans of powdered and liquid formula. In fact, about 90 percent of people over the age of 6 have detectable levels of BPA in their urine. Many major manufacturers and retailers are now starting to phase out its use. For example, Playtex and Nalgene have announced plans to drop the use of BPA-containing plastics and resins in their products, and major retailers like Wal-Mart a
Related Questions
- A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study reported bisphenol A (BPA) in a high percentage of people; is this a concern?
- Industry states bisphenol A (BPA) is safe; certain special interest groups say it is not. Whom should I believe?
- If I consume canned foods, will I ingest bisphenol A (BPA) and what happens to it?
