ecovangelist: Plastic bottles and BPA...why should you worry?

What is BPA?

BPA, also known as Bisphenol A is a common chemical used to make plastic and is lined in metal containers.
It is found in baby bottles, water bottles, almost all canned food, and soda cans
When heated or cooled, BPA leaches into food and liquids.
The chemical was found in the urine of 95% of Americans tested

How does it effect me?

BPA is a known endocrine disruptor and when in your body, it can mimic your hormones, eventually causing an imbalance.
Several studies have linked BPA to many medical problems, including breast and prostate cancer, thyroid disruption, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, hyperactivity and possibly miscarriages.
This is of specific concern for children, since several baby bottles still have BPA, and many of the effects are seen in fetal and infant brain development.

What should I do?

Use Stainless Steel bottles
Use Glass containers to store food
Avoid plastic bottles and containers....yes even many of your favorite Nalgene bottles have BPA
Avoid canned food, canned soda
Aluminum bottles are great also, but are sometimes lined with BPA, so double check before you purchase
If you must use plastic bottles/containers: make sure they are BPA free, do not leave them in extreme heat or cold. Do not put in them in the dishwasher, hand wash gently
Avoid #7 and #3 plastics:
Most plastics have a symbol or number at the bottom. Plastics #1, #2, #4, #5, #6 do not use BPA, but may leach other chemicals

ecovangelist