Concerns about the use of Bisphenol A, or BPA, in plastic food containers were first raised in 2008. Since then, continuing research has been carried out regarding the implication and importance of using BPA free plastic containers.
BPA has been used to manufacture plastics and resins since the mid 20th century with around eight billion pounds used annually in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. It is only in recent years that the potential effect on our health has been identified.
The main products made with BPA, that potentially could impact human health, include baby bottles, food storage containers, pipes and drink bottles. Another common use is to line other food packaging, like tinned vegetables and baby formula.
Some countries have moved to ban the use of BPA, either completely or in certain products, mainly baby bottles. Scientists have shown that infants are most at risk of absorbing BPA from products made from the substance.
The governments of some countries have ruled that the evidence is not sufficiently strong enough to ban BPA, although many have issued health warnings about the substance. These warnings are centered on how plastic food containers are used in the home; people are advised not to heat food in plastics, especially in a microwave, and to avoid washing these items in the dishwasher. Mothers are advised to use glass baby bottles.
Many manufacturers have taken the initiative to remove BPA from their products and so it is important to know how to identify items that are BPA-free . Plastics are classified using the familiar recycling triangle with a number inside, that can be found on the bottom of the majority of products. Polycarbonate content is described with the number '7' inside the triangle, sometimes with the letters 'PC' underneath. PVC can also contain BPA, especially flexible products, and this is indicated by the number 3 with the letters 'PVC' under the triangle.
The reason BPA is considered dangerous to human health is its ability to be leached from the container under certain circumstances. Heat appears to be the main agent that causes this leaching but breakage and washing of the plastics also are implicated. These factors enable the BPA to enter the body where it is believed to cause some cancers, birth defects and interruption of the normal function of hormones.
Research into the effects of BPA on human health continues with some worrying results being published. In a recent survey, 93% of Americans tested, showed positive readings for the compound in urine tests. These results show how wide-spread the potential problem is. To protect yourself and your family, be aware of the potential problem and learn how to identify BPA-free plastics.
BPA has been used to manufacture plastics and resins since the mid 20th century with around eight billion pounds used annually in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. It is only in recent years that the potential effect on our health has been identified.
The main products made with BPA, that potentially could impact human health, include baby bottles, food storage containers, pipes and drink bottles. Another common use is to line other food packaging, like tinned vegetables and baby formula.
Some countries have moved to ban the use of BPA, either completely or in certain products, mainly baby bottles. Scientists have shown that infants are most at risk of absorbing BPA from products made from the substance.
The governments of some countries have ruled that the evidence is not sufficiently strong enough to ban BPA, although many have issued health warnings about the substance. These warnings are centered on how plastic food containers are used in the home; people are advised not to heat food in plastics, especially in a microwave, and to avoid washing these items in the dishwasher. Mothers are advised to use glass baby bottles.
Many manufacturers have taken the initiative to remove BPA from their products and so it is important to know how to identify items that are BPA-free . Plastics are classified using the familiar recycling triangle with a number inside, that can be found on the bottom of the majority of products. Polycarbonate content is described with the number '7' inside the triangle, sometimes with the letters 'PC' underneath. PVC can also contain BPA, especially flexible products, and this is indicated by the number 3 with the letters 'PVC' under the triangle.
The reason BPA is considered dangerous to human health is its ability to be leached from the container under certain circumstances. Heat appears to be the main agent that causes this leaching but breakage and washing of the plastics also are implicated. These factors enable the BPA to enter the body where it is believed to cause some cancers, birth defects and interruption of the normal function of hormones.
Research into the effects of BPA on human health continues with some worrying results being published. In a recent survey, 93% of Americans tested, showed positive readings for the compound in urine tests. These results show how wide-spread the potential problem is. To protect yourself and your family, be aware of the potential problem and learn how to identify BPA-free plastics.
About the Author:
Farberware EcoFresh Food Storage has BPA free plastic containers. Enjoy the most innovative and eco-friendly food storage conatainers ever created. (www.farberwarefoodstorage.com)
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