Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is found in many consumer products like food containers, water bottles, and dental sealants. Most human exposure to BPA comes from eating food or drinking beverages that have leached BPA from protective coatings. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and has been linked to negative health effects in animal studies such as brain, behavior, and cancer risks. To reduce exposure, people should seek out BPA-free products and limit canned foods and plastic containers since BPA can leach out during heating.

1. Miranda Pryor
Dinesh Babu
Tox. 1010
BPA
BPA stands for Bisphenol- A. The chemical has been sold since the
1940′s and starting in the 1960′s has been lining the insides of cans in order to
extend shelf life. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and
beverages, such as water bottles. They may also be used in other consumer
goods. BPA can also be found in infant bottles, compact discs, impact- resistant
safety equipment, and medical devices. Epoxy resins are used to coat the inside
of metal products, like food cans, bottle tops, and even water supply lines. Some
dental sealants and composites also may contain BPA.
BPA gets in the body primarily by the diet. BPA in food and beverages
accounts for the majority of daily human exposure. BPA can get into food from
the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of consumer products. BPA may also
be found in the breast milk of nursing mothers.
BPA has many effects on the body. Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor,
which can mimic estrogen and has been shown to cause negative health effects
in animal studies. More specifically, bisphenol A closely mimics the structure and
function of the hormone estradiol with the ability to bind to and activate the same
estrogen receptor as the natural hormone. The National Toxicology Program at
the FDA expressed concern about BPA’s possible effects on the brain and

2. behavior of infants and young children. Some animal studies have also shown a
possible link between BPA exposure and a later increased risk of cancer. BPA
has also been linked to heart problems. Two studies have found that adults with
the highest levels of BPA in their bodies seem to have a higher incidence of heart
problems, however, these incidences could be unrelated. There has also been a
connection between BPA exposure and many conditions such as obesity,
diabetes, ADHD/ADD, and others. There is also a link between BPA and an
increased risk to children. Some studies suggest that possible effects from BPA
could be most prominent in infants and young children. Since their bodies are still
developing and they are less efficient at eliminating substances from their
systems.
To prevent BPA exposure one needs to seek out BPA-free products.
Seek out BPA-free products. More and more BPA-free products have come to
market. Look for products labeled as BPA-free. If a product isn't labeled, keep in
mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be
made with BPA. Cut back on cans. Reduce your use of canned foods since most
cans are lined with BPA-containing resin. Avoid heat. The National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, advises
against microwaving polycarbonate plastics or putting them in the dishwasher,
because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach into
foods. Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot
foods and liquids instead of plastic containers. Getting rid of BPA out of the body
takes time. After taking the precautions listed above, BPA will begin to naturally

3. expel out of the body. Outside of taking the necessary precautions there is
nothing really consumers can do, except to purchase BPA-free products.
An interesting fact that I found on the Internet was that the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) calculated that people consume 50 micrograms of BPA
per kilogram of body weight every day over the course of a lifetime. Over 40
studies have found adverse health effects in rats given less than one hundredth
of that amount.7 billion pounds of BPA are produced annually, for use in food
packaging, PVC water pipes, electronics, and more.
7 billion pounds of BPA are produced annually, for use in food packaging,
PVC water pipes, electronics, and more.