BPA: What is it and How Can We Avoid It?
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical used to make two common synthetics:
POLYCARBONATE
A clear, rigid, shatter-resistant plastic found in a wide variety of consumer products, including food and drink containers.
EPOXY RESINS
Used in industrial adhesives and high-performance coatings. Epoxy coating lines most of the 131 billion food and beverage cans made in the U.S. annually.
What are the Health Risks?
BPA is a synthetic estrogen that can disrupt the endocrine system, even in small amounts. It has been linked to a wide variety of ills, including infertility, breast and reproductive system cancer, obesity, diabetes, early puberty, behavioral changes in children and resistance to chemotherapy treatments.
Limit your Family’s Exposure to BPA
Completely eliminating contact with BPA is virtually impossible, but you can reduce your family’s exposure to this chemical.
When possible, buy powdered baby formula because the packaging contains less BPA. If your baby needs liquid formula, look for brands sold in plastic or glass containers.
Limit your consumption of canned food, especially if you are pregnant.
Look for canned foods labeled as BPA-free or buy food packed in glass jars or waxed cardboard cartons. A few small companies sell cans lined with non-BPA alternatives.
Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
Surveys by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
have found BPA in the bodies of nearly every person over the age of 6.
BPA in Store Receipts
✓ Say no to receipts when possible.
✓ Keep receipts in an envelope.
✓ Never give a child a receipt to hold or play with.
How to Store Food without Plastic
Store artichokes, carrots and celery in bowls of cold water in the fridge.
Store avocados, strawberries, figs and any other berries in a paper bag.
Store beets, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, green beans, and radishes in open glass containers covered with a damp towel in the fridge.
Store cauliflower, herbs, and cherries in closed glass containers in the fridge.
Store broccoli rabe, corn, snap peas, spinach, and cut melon in open glass containers in the fridge.
Store greens in closed glass containers covered with a damp cloth in the fridge.
Store cabbage, eggplant, and spring onions right in the fridge crisper.
Wrap bread in cloth and store in wooden bread bin.
Quick Container Tips:
Utilize Glass or Steel containers - they freeze well too!
Keep your glass jars and reuse.
Utilize beeswax wraps.