BPA or bisphenol A is a high profile chemical that is used in the manufacture of hard plastic containers, reusable cups, baby bottles, metal linings for beverage and good cans, cup holders (this example yields little danger however), canned liquid infant formulae etc. This chemical has been shown to have considerable adverse affects on human beings. This chemical is also used in the manufacture of compact disks, automobile parts, plastic dinnerware and toys for children. According to reports, health risks are more when the BPA is leached into the body through ingestion. Hence compact disks and automobile parts do not pose any real threat. However, one must abstain from using plastic dinnerware or baby bottles. Children should be kept away from such toys too as they usually put them in their mouth and bite often. Colored plastics are generally free from BPA and safe, similar to this drink holder.
According to a report of Environmental Health Perspectives, animals showed adverse affects of BPA even when they were exposed to levels that were considered to be in the safe range. Animals such as mice showed these negative affects at much less exposure to BPA than what human beings are exposed to through the baby bottles or the hard plastic dinnerware. Hence the Department of Health has asked for further research and confirmation and meanwhile has requested for baby bottles and cups to be free of this chemical. Hence a walk down the baby section in the supermarket will show you many products that carry the label saying BPA free.
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units have pointed out that children exposed to BPA show behavioral changes, impairment in learning and hyperactivity. Adults exposed to BPA have shown increased vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases, liver enzyme abnormalities and diabetes. Another report shows that when BPA enters bloodstream in utero it affects the reproductive organs both in the males and females. BPA is a neurotoxin that imitates estrogen in the body. Most of the reports also suggest that the affect of BPA on females is more than it is on the males.
A good habit to practice meanwhile is to avoid using hard plastic containers for hot and warm liquids. These hot substances will cause BPA in the plastic to be broken down and mixed in the liquid or beverage faster. The containers should be cooled completely after sterilizing too. Scratched bottles of cups shouldn’t be used according to the Department of Health and Human Services as it might bring out BPA and also germs. The best option is to use BPA free plastics or BPA free aluminum.
