Bisphenol-a also know as bpa has been a hot topic lately. The other day someone was telling me that they are even in canned food and receipts. It seems like every where you look there is a new toxic substance we all have to avoid. While I believe that plastics destroy the earth causing the pacific coast garbage patch and littering the sides of the road, I still didn't know anything really about bpa. What kind of writer would I be if I didn't research and get the skinny on bpa? Keep in mind I'm not a scientist, in fact most of my college science has nothing to do with so all I can do is give my opinion on any of these topics as a consumer, wife and nanny.
Dangers
Bpas have been known to cause an early puberty in female animals due to the fact that it mimics estrogen and other hormones. Bpas being injected directly into rats suggests that it may pose cancer risks (NY Times). While these tests are done on animals, it's up to you as a parent to decide if you want to risk your children or buy products and try to avoid exposure. In fact, some countries like China and Canada have gone so far as to completely ban bpas from baby bottles. Personally, I have taken some steps to avoid bpas in my home.
Where to find bisphenol-a
Basically any and all plastics contain bpas. It has been used for years to make hard plastics. This means everything from your Tupperware to your frozen dinner trays contain bpas. There have also been high traces of bpa found in the lining of canned food. Even those that are labeled organic, it does not mean that they are bpa free. Bpas are released when the containers are heated, and then it goes into the food that you eat. Even those containers that say they are microwave safe, may have bpas. Since children have a lot of plastic utensils and dishes, it makes them an easy target for exposure.
How to avoid bpas
You best bet is to look for bpa-free labels on your plastics. A ton of stores and companies are only carrying and making bpa-free plastics for children. If the label doesn't say bpa-free, that means it's not bpa-free, only trust what the label says and never assume. Sswitch out your plastic Tupperware for glass containers. The best part about the glass means it can go freezer, fridge, oven and microwave without a problem. As far as canned food goes, try to avoid it when possible. Consider switching to frozen veggies instead of canned when you can't get fresh. Some groups suggest that you don't wash your plastics in the dishwasher with harsh soaps, other groups say that it perfectly fine.
My Conclusion
It seems to me that there is some evidence of harmful effects of bpas. I will probably take even more care in purchasing products that are bpa-free especially for children. There just really isn't any way of knowing how harmful or dangerous a lifetime of exposure could be until more research is done on the subject. Until a statement comes out saying that bisphenol-a is not at all harmful, why not try to avoid bpas? The truth is I don't think we can ever completely protect our family from all of the dangers in the world, we can just do our best.
Sources
New York Times
www.sciencedaily.com
Mayo Clinic
Dangers
Bpas have been known to cause an early puberty in female animals due to the fact that it mimics estrogen and other hormones. Bpas being injected directly into rats suggests that it may pose cancer risks (NY Times). While these tests are done on animals, it's up to you as a parent to decide if you want to risk your children or buy products and try to avoid exposure. In fact, some countries like China and Canada have gone so far as to completely ban bpas from baby bottles. Personally, I have taken some steps to avoid bpas in my home.
Where to find bisphenol-a
Basically any and all plastics contain bpas. It has been used for years to make hard plastics. This means everything from your Tupperware to your frozen dinner trays contain bpas. There have also been high traces of bpa found in the lining of canned food. Even those that are labeled organic, it does not mean that they are bpa free. Bpas are released when the containers are heated, and then it goes into the food that you eat. Even those containers that say they are microwave safe, may have bpas. Since children have a lot of plastic utensils and dishes, it makes them an easy target for exposure.
How to avoid bpas
You best bet is to look for bpa-free labels on your plastics. A ton of stores and companies are only carrying and making bpa-free plastics for children. If the label doesn't say bpa-free, that means it's not bpa-free, only trust what the label says and never assume. Sswitch out your plastic Tupperware for glass containers. The best part about the glass means it can go freezer, fridge, oven and microwave without a problem. As far as canned food goes, try to avoid it when possible. Consider switching to frozen veggies instead of canned when you can't get fresh. Some groups suggest that you don't wash your plastics in the dishwasher with harsh soaps, other groups say that it perfectly fine.
My Conclusion
It seems to me that there is some evidence of harmful effects of bpas. I will probably take even more care in purchasing products that are bpa-free especially for children. There just really isn't any way of knowing how harmful or dangerous a lifetime of exposure could be until more research is done on the subject. Until a statement comes out saying that bisphenol-a is not at all harmful, why not try to avoid bpas? The truth is I don't think we can ever completely protect our family from all of the dangers in the world, we can just do our best.
Sources
New York Times
www.sciencedaily.com
Mayo Clinic
No comments:
Post a Comment