#4 BPA and you

There have been under "rumblings" about BPA, it's safety, and how it effects the human body. I'm going to share with you what I know, and my point of view on it.  I want you to know before you read any further, I don't have a science background.  So, big words and other scary descriptions won't be found in this post.

Bisphenol A, or BPA for short is found in plastic.  Commonly it is found in products baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, dental fillings and sealants, eyeglass lenses, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics.  Most concerning though are baby bottles and canned goods.  Cans are lined with a plastic barrier to keep the food from the metal of the can, and the BPA can and does leach into the food. BPA has also been detected in nonstick-coated cookware, plastic wrap for food packaging, recycled food boxes and clothes treated with fire retardants (think...your kids' pajamas???).

So why should you avoid BPA?  Here are a few things that BPA has been linked to.

1.  Obesity.
2. Neurological disorders, brain structure and function, and possibly ADHD
3. Thyroid Function.
4. May be a carcinogen, and also may effect chemotherapy treatments.
5. Reproductive health issues.

At this stage in the game, I have a bad feeling that many politicians have their hands in "the cookie jar" so to speak, and are reluctant to move on any specific ban on BPA.  I know that the research has been done quietly, and new findings are quietly discovered.  However I am going to refer to an old fashioned saying;  When in doubt, throw it out!

Here are a few ways to keep yourself clear of BPA.

1. Don't get receipts.  Receipts are typically laced with BPA coated powder, and I'm sure you don't eat your receipts, but exposure is exposure.
2. Avoid canned foods.  Learn how to can your own things, or stick to fresh (if you're lucky enough to live in that kind of climate).
3. Avoid soda.  Soda comes how?  Either in plastic bottles...or CANS.  Hard to escape that one.
4. Buy water bottles that specifically say BPA free.
5. Don't buy flame resistant clothing or furniture.
6. Stay away from Teflon coated pots and pans.  Even plastic spatulas.  Stick to glass, wood, or uncoated metals.



Sources:
1. Green LA Girl
2. BPA Not yet Banned
3. The Washington Post