BPA in Plastics Linked to Obesity in Girls
Plus, how to tell if the products you use contain this controversial, cancer-causing chemical
Instead of getting all up in the molecular structure and politics of this controversial substance, we'll break it down for you in a different way and tell you exactly what you do need to know about BPA.
Related: BPA-Free Water Bottles
BPA is an "endocrine disruptor".
Researchers have found that BPA can mimic estrogen, which means it can have the same impact that estrogen has on the body. Normal levels of estrogen in the body are no big whoop for most women, but imagine what a massive dose might do for, say, a fetus, or an 8-year-old girl, or a pregnant woman. Many experts are concerned about the effects BPA may have on the development of babies' brains and sex organs, and animal studies have linked BPA to an increased risk for breast and prostate cancer.
BPA is used to make hard clear plastic and resins.
Check the bottom of any food or beverage container in your pantry. If you're concerned about the effects of BPA, the products with "7/Other" triangle or "PC" stamp near the recycling symbol are the ones you want to avoid, particularly if you're pregnant or if it's going into your baby's mouth. It means the packaging may contain Bisphenol A.
Most metal cans are lined with a resin that uses BPA. The hard plastic, called polycarbonate (PC), is used in water bottles, food containers (including some lines of reusable plastic storage containers) and other disposable food packaging.
Heat may allow BPA to leach into foods.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says putting polycarbonate plastics in the microwave or dishwasher is a no-no because over time, the heat and wear and tear may break down the plastic, causing BPA to leach into foods.