Last Updated on April 4, 2024
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a toxin associated with plastics that has entered mainstream consciousness because it is found in many water bottles. BPA is a hormone mimic, disrupts the endocrine system and is a carcinogen. A major campaign to remove the toxin from water bottles has led to several companies offering “BPA free” water bottles.
Problems associated with BPA ingestion:
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Hormone disruption
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Endocrine dysfunction
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Early onset of puberty
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Autoimmune diseases
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Thyroid disorders
5 ways to limit your exposure to BPA:
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Wash your hands after handling money and receipts. Store receipts are coated with BPA. Handling store receipts exposes you to BPA, as does the money in your wallet that comes in contact with store receipts.
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Avoid heating food in plastics or serving hot foods on plastics as heat releases BPA into your foods.
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Limit the amount of canned food you eat because canned foods have plastic liners, which often contain BPA.
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Generally speaking it is safe to use glass or metal water bottles. That being said, many metal water bottles still contain plastic liners. Kleen Canteen is one company that is committed to removing plastic liners from their bottles.
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In general, avoid plastics around your food and water. Even BPA free plastics contain many chemicals, which haven’t been thoroughly studied.