BPA and Health
Did you get a paper receipt last time you shopped at a grocery store or ate at a restaurant? If your answer is “yes,” it is possible that you’ve read that paper receipts contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), which is a component of the thermally reactive coating on the surface of the receipts.
Why should we remain on a high alert for Bisphenol A (BPA)? The reason is because of how common BPA is in our daily lives and the potential health risks if exposed to it.
What is BPA?
BPA is an industrial chemical that is used primarily to make polycarbonate (PC) plastics. PC plastics are used to produce a large number of materials that are commonly used in everyday life.
For example: plastic lenses in eyewear, medical devices, automotive components, and protective gear.
Why should we care about BPA?
Ninety-three percent of Americans carry BPA in their bodies, as estimated by U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). BPA can enter the body in different ways, including the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and dermal tract.
Animal studies show that BPA is a toxicant that can interact with estrogen receptors and impede the estrogen receptor (ER) dependent signals, which can lead to female and male infertility, precocious puberty, hormone-dependent tumors such as breast and prostate cancer, and several metabolic diseases such as the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Fetuses, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to BPA exposure. The exposure could possibly result in health effects on their brain and prostate gland. Being exposed to BPA in childhood can lead to behavioral problems such as higher levels of anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inattention, and conduct disorder. Additionally, research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
I’m concerned about BPA. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure?
As suggested by the Mayo Clinic, here are four suggestions to help you reduce BPA exposure:
Use BPA-free products. Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. When purchasing products, you can look for products labeled as BPA-free. If no label is attached, keep in mind that some plastics with the recycle code 7 or PC may contain BPA.
Avoid heating plastic. Don't put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher. The heat may break down chemical bonds over time and allow BPA to seep into foods.
Choose fresh whole foods. When you can, purchase fresh whole fruits and vegetables instead of foods contained in plastic containers.
Use alternatives. Switch from plastic to glass, porcelain, or stainless-steel containers for hot foods and liquids.
Avoid touching receipts. Thermal receipts can contain BPA. Choose “No receipts,” “Email receipts,” or “Text message receipts” when you can. If these options are not available to you, wash your hands after touching any receipts and keep them away from children. Never touch them after using hand sanitizer—it will increase the amount of BPA being absorbed into your skin.
Infographics by Zhiru Wang
