|
Easy ways to avoid bisphenol A in everyday products.
Recent scientific reviews and news reports on the use of polycarbonate plastics containing bisphenol A and potential human health problems are worrying and confusing consumers.
|
Baby using a bottle with polyethyelene plastic bag insert |
The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County is committed to protecting the public’s health and the environment by reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Given the current scientific understanding of biological effects of bisphenol A or BPA, there is good reason for concerned consumers to reduce their exposure to bisphenol A -containing products, especially for infants, children, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Infants and young children are at greater risk because of their small size and developing bodies. Studies of laboratory animals or cultured human cells have shown exposure to bisphenol A can cause neural and behavioral changes, precancerous growths in breast and prostate tissues, early onset puberty and other effects at very low doses. In addition, bisphenol A crosses the placenta and has been found in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord tissue, showing that there is no prenatal protection from a mother’s exposure.
Recent reports from the National Institute for Environmental Health conclude that there is concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants, and children at current levels of exposure to BPA. Presently, there are no recommended minimum exposure limits for infants or children. More research is also needed to understand all the health effects that may be associated with exposure to Bisphenol A.
There are easy ways to reduce the risk of exposure to BPA for children. Many of the ‘new’ ways are a return to earlier safe food storage practices.
Easy ways to avoid bisphenol A in everyday products
For infants and children
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed newborns and infants. Follow the tips here and on the links to reduce bisphenol A in an infant’s and nursing mom’s diet.
If you use infant formula:
- the first choice is dry powdered formula packaged in non-metal cans
- liquid formulas sold in plastic, mostly polyethylene and polypropylene (#1, 2, or 5) which do not contain any bisphenol A
- concentrated liquid formulas (diluted)
- avoid ready-to-eat liquid formulas in metal cans; they are lined with bisphenol A epoxy resin (sealant)
Use glass baby bottles or plastic bag inserts, which are made of polyethyelene, or switch to polypropylene bottles (labeled #5) that come in solid colors or are milky white, not clear.
Other resources and shopping suggestions *Adapted from National Geographic’s Green Guide Baby bottle choices
For your family
For food storage and drinking use glass or stainless steel water bottles without plastic linings. Avoid plastic containers labeled with a 3, 6, or 7 (inside the recycle symbol). Not all number 7 plastics contain bisphenol A, but they are not separately labeled.
Dispose of cracked or scratched plastic bottles in the garbage.
Foods packaged in juice boxes or cardboard "brick" cartons, by Tetra Pak and SIG Combibloc, are made of safer layers of paper, aluminum and polyethylene (#2) and are also recyclable.
Reduce your use of canned foods by using fresh or frozen foods or foods packaged in other containers like glass or cardboard brick cartons. Save canned foods for convenience or emergencies. Almost all food cans are lined with bisphenol A epoxy resin (sealant) and industry studies confirm that BPA is in canned foods and beverages.
Learn to preserve your own foods using glass containers. The WSU Cooperative Extension offers canning tips and instructions at http://foodsafety.wsu.edu/. Find a Farmer’s market with Puget Sound Fresh Food at: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/farms/.
If you use plastics for food storage, follow these safety tips.
If you are using polycarbonate bottles like Nalgene (labeled #7 on the bottom), wash them by hand with mild dishwashing soap and not in the dishwasher. Harsh chemicals and heat degrade the plastic and increase leaching of bisphenol A into foods and liquids.
Avoid using plastic containers to heat food in microwaves because chemicals leach out into the food faster when heated. Ceramic, glass, and other microwaveable dishware are good alternatives.
Others links
Canned food study: www.ewg.org/reports/bisphenola
Consumer tips www.ewg.org/node/20944
Plastic Products at a Glance Chart www.checnet.org/healthehouse/pdf/plasticchart.pdf
|
