On April 15, 2008, the National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, issued draft findings stating “There is some concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants and children at current human exposures.” The findings expressed concern about exposure in these populations, “based on effects in the prostate gland, mammary gland, and an earlier age for puberty in females.”
The FDA is being asked to reconsider its findings on the potential hazardous long term effects of bisphenol-A.
So what is bisphenol-A? It was originally created in the 1930’s as synthetic estrogen. Later it became used to make a clear plastic and epoxy resin for the food industry. It has been under the spotlight for about a decade now as more and more studies show links to health care issues.
BPA is in polycarbonate bottles, usually with a 7 recycle number on the bottom. It is also used as an epoxy lining in metal food and beverage containers. It is thought that it leaches out into the food and mimics estrogen in the body. The reason for only banning it in baby products, is because it is thought to cause the most problems in newborns and young infants. BPA has been thought to cause long-term problems, such as early puberty in girls, reproductive problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, insulin resistance, and certain cancers later in life.
Canada has banned BPA (bisphenol-A) from baby bottles and is the first country to do so. While the U.S. hasn’t followed in Canada’s footsteps, stores like Wal-Mart, and Toys/Babies “R” Us, are pulling them from their shelves.
BPA has been found in the urine of many people and in concentrated amounts in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. Bisphenol-A can also be found in breast milk. More research is needed to determine what is safe and what isn’t. However, right now during pregnancy, it is better to be safe than sorry.
How to reduce your exposure to you and your fetus:
- Reduce your intake of canned goods and beverages. Eden Foods™, however, is BPA free.
- Look for, and avoid, the #7 on the bottom of your container. It is usually located in a recyclable triangle. Polycarbonate plastic is clear and rigid. Not all #7s are polycarbonate, but it is best to be on the safe side.
- Choose plastics that have #1, #2, #4 and #5. Avoid #3 as it is made from PVC plastic.
- Do not microwave or pour hot food or beverages in any type of plastic containers. Try to use other materials besides plastic, for hot foods and beverages, such as porcelain, glass and metal.
- Make sure that if you use metal containers, they are stainless steel and not lined with plastic.
- Do not use plastic bottles that are scratched and old.
- Do not wash plastics in harsh dish washing soap and hot water. It can cause abrasions in the plastic that allow the toxins to leach out.
- Avoid using plastic wrap with food and never microwave with it. SaranWrap™ is considered BPA-free.
