BPA/Bisphenol A

The National Toxicology Program lists Bisphenol A as a risk to human reproduction.   I do not understand why containers made with this toxic chemical are not labled as such.

Overview

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been present in many hard plastic bottles and metal-based food and beverage cans since the 1960s.

Studies employing standardized toxicity tests have thus far supported the safety of current low levels of human exposure to BPA.  However, on the basis of results from recent studies using novel approaches to test for subtle effects, both the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health and FDA have some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children.  In cooperation with the National Toxicology Program, FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research is carrying out in-depth studies to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA.

In the interim:

• FDA is taking reasonable steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food supply.  These steps include:
  • supporting the industry’s actions to stop producing BPA-containing baby bottles and infant feeding cups for the U.S. market;
  • facilitating the development of alternatives to BPA for the linings of infant formula cans; and
  • supporting efforts to replace BPA or minimize BPA levels in other food can linings.
• FDA is supporting a shift to a more robust regulatory framework for oversight of BPA.
• FDA is seeking further public comment and external input on the science surrounding BPA.

FDA is also supporting recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services for infant feeding and food preparation to reduce exposure to BPA.

FDA is not recommending that families change the use of infant formula or foods, as the benefit of a stable source of good nutrition outweighs the potential risk from BPA exposure. -From the US FDA

What Has BPA?
The government does not require manufacturers to say on its label whether a product contains BPA, so it can be hard to tell which goods are made with BPA. But here are some hints:

• Most canned food containers contain BPA, though exceptions include Eden Foods, which has been using a BPA-free can for some of its products since 1999.

• Some Tupperware products contain BPA, primarily those intended for high heat resistance, according to the company’s website. Tupperware products made for children do not contain BPA.

• Most baby bottles and sippy cups made in the United States are now BPA-free. But some are still on the market. Some major retailers, including Target and Wal-Mart, have stopped selling baby bottles made with BPA, but many other retailers still carry them.

• Bottled water is typically in BPA-free bottles.

• Hard plastic, reusable water bottles may contain BPA. One maker of such bottles, Nalgene, began phasing out BPA from its Outdoor line of containers in April 2008. Its other consumer products are BPA-free. For other brands, check the recycling number on the product. Codes with the number 3 or 7 are most likely to have BPA. Containers with codes 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are unlikely to contain it.

• Many dental sealants contain BPA. Ask your dentist for an alternative.

To Minimize BPA Exposure

• Avoid cans when possible. BPA is used to line almost all metal cans, including soda cans.

• Buy fresh, frozen or glass-bottled products whenever possible.

• Heat causes the chemical to leach into food, so avoid heating food in plastic containers with BPA.

• Avoid putting very hot or boiling drinks in plastic made with BPA.

• Hand wash items containing BPA. The hot water and detergent in dishwashers weaken these containers and permit BPA to leach into food and drinks.

• Discard bottles with scratches; they may harbor bacteria and could lead to an increased release of BPA.

• Opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids. -By: John Briley | Source: AARP Bulletin Today | February 12, 2010