What’s the deal with BPA? BPA’s chemical name is Bisphenol. Bisphenol is used widely in linings of cans and other food and beverage containers. When you open a can and can see the white or other color lining, you have encountered BPA. BPA helps to shield the aluminum in the can from deterioration and keeps the food from tasting like metal. BPA has also been an ingredient in hard clear plastic (polycarbonate) reusable bottles. BPA has been used since the 1960’s in our food and beverage containers. Since January of 2010, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has recommended the removal of BPA from baby bottles and infant feeding cups due to the concern of neurological effects on young children. The FDA is also very clear in stating to not switch formula or feeding of infants because the nutritional gain outweighs the danger from BPA.

Stay away from BPA because the FDA has recently found that the exposure level that we would normally encounter cause developmental and behavioral effects in testing that is not part of the standardized tests. The testing found these effects at the exposure of normal and low levels. The problem with the FDA is that their final findings will not be finalized until 2012 and published after that. At this point we depend on the private medical society to give us the information we need. The AMA (American Medical Association) just published a report that also says to stay away from BPA. The private industry uses a lot of surveys and self-funded experiments to come to their conclusions. The AMA doesn’t just depend on experimental rodent data combined with complaints and other complaint like reports.

The AMA used over 1400 adults and tested them for BPA that was excreted in their urine, and did exams on the participants. The results from the AMA conclude for people to stay away from BPA. People with higher concentrations of BPA had a higher incidence of heart disease and diabetes. Also found was an increase in liver enzymes that can affect the metabolization of medications and general well being. In 2008, the AMA found that BPA causes an increase in estrogen type activity, pancreatic dysfunction, and thyroid disruption.

What does all of this mean? Eventhough the results have not been finalized by the FDA, this all has the common theme to stay away from BPA. Okay, now what? Check out your cupboards.

Normally BPA Free plastic containers:

Those labeled as BPA Free Those with recycle labels 1,2,4 Those with the words microwaveable, dishwasher safe Straws are usually safe as they are not made from polycarbonate

To be on the safe side:

Use plastic containers with the above and only for cold food storage Use plastic to cook in if it is BPA safe Use glass or ceramic to heat food in Store acid fruits and vegetables in glass or ceramic

Stay away from BPA, we really don’t have all the data in yet, just stay safe.