BPA, an Estrogen-like Chemical

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen-mimicking, plastic-hardening chemical that is added to many everyday items including plastic water bottles, the lining in canned foods and beverages, thermal cash register receipts and hundreds of other everyday products. BPA activates estrogen receptors disrupting hormones and affects how estrogen and other hormones act in the body by blocking them or mimicking them, which throws off the body's entire hormonal balance.

BPA is detectable in the bodies of more than 95% of the population. The main source of BPA in humans is from residues in food that leach out of polycarbonate and resin packaging such as drink containers, plastic bottles, canned foods and canned beverages. An individual can be exposed to BPA through dental sealants, inhalation of household dusts and dermal exposure, cash register receipts, plastic utensils and many other products. And, BPA-free plastics are plastic, and is still derived from petroleum.

Pregnant women and children are especially sensitive and vulnerable to BPA exposure and should avoid consumption of canned foods and beverages. A 2006 study in the journal Chemistry & Biology found a link between BPA and breast cancer. In January, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that they have concerns about the chemical’s potential affects on brain development of fetuses, infants and children.

Health conditions caused from BPA exposure

Cancer	Heart disease	Diabetes & insulin resistance
Enlarged prostate	ADD and ADHD	Immune dysfunction
Infertility	Liver problems	Obesity
Structural brain damage	Thyroid dysfunction	Early puberty
Fatigue and low energy	Neurological disorders	High blood pressure

How to Reduce BPA exposure

• Limit exposure to plastic products….this is especially important for women who are pregnant and children. This includes canned foods, plastic water bottles and baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, plastic wrap, canned beverages (soda, juices, beer). Canned foods with the highest levels of BPA include canned green beans, infant formula, ravioli, and canned soups, specifically chicken soup.
• Especially avoid anything that contains the #7 recycling symbol.
• Avoid heating plastic containers in microwaves or washing them in the dishwasher. (avoid the microwave altogether!) Ceramic and glass are healthier alternatives for storing food.
• Say no to receipts. Always wash your hands after handling receipts.
• Use glass or unlined stainless steel drinking bottles.
• Avoid storing water in plastic containers or bottles in a heated car, garage or warehouse. Heat plus length of storage time greatly increases the release of chemicals. The heat reacts with the chemicals in the plastic leaching dioxin into the water. If you’ve got cases of water sitting in your garage or keep bottled water in your car during the heat, you’re asking for trouble.

Protect yourself and your family. Why take a chance when there are so many healthier alternatives?

Read more about the health hazards of BPA, obesogens and other hormone-disrupting chemicals in The Power of 4 and Fat Loss Revolution.

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