Eco

Decrease Your Exposure to BPA Today

By Courtney Han

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical that can be found in most plastics and resins. It is found in many consumer products, like water bottles and food containers. According to www.eatrightontario.ca, it has leaked into water systems and harmed marine life.

Many BPA products are labeled with a number 7 recycling number, which means that they are the hardest to recycle. According to the FDA, the National Toxicology Program has recently had some concerns over the possible side affects of BPA, which can pontentially cause harm to the brain. BPA is especially harmful for young and unborn children. Here are some tips to help limit your exposure to BPA.

Avoid Canned Foods
A majority of the canned food in the United States has a BPA based liner on the inside of the can so that the food will not react with the metal. This can allow the chemical to seep into the food. However, there are a few companies that use alternative canning processes, making their food much safer than their competitors. According to treehugger.com, Eden Foods and Trader Joe’s both use BPA free cans. Another thing you can do is avoid canned food altogether and purchase fresh of frozen fruits and vegetables. If you have to buy pre-made food, try to find it in a glass jar. According to ewg.org (Environmental Working Group), less BPA leeches from glass than from cans.

Be Careful What You Microwave
Microwaving food in plastic containers that contain BPA may cause the containers to break down over time, releasing BPA chemicals into the food. If you are unsure as to whether or not the plastic container you are using has BPA, microwave your food in a glass container just to be safe.

Eat Out Less
According to abcnews.com, those that eat out more have higher levels of BPA in their body than those that eat in. To reduce BPA exposure, try cooking more at home and using fresh ingredients.

Buy BPA-Free Products
While the majority of plastic and glass we come in contact with contains BPA, there are companies that have made steps towards becoming BPA free. Rubbermaid has created a line of water bottles, coolers, and food containers that are completely BPA free. All products created by Thermos are BPA free, and Nalgene has BPA free water bottles. Usnews.com says SC Johnson, the makers of Saran wrap and Ziploc bags, do not use BPA in their products.