What Is Bpa & Why Is It Bad?

BPA stands for bisphenol A and is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins. It was introduced back in the 1960s .

Now, some research has shown that BPA can seep into our food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. For example, take away containers and disposable water bottles. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods, there is still evidence that we should reduce our longer-term & repeated exposure.

“At high exposures BPA can potentially effect the liver and kidneys, and it may possibly affect reproductive, nervous, immune, metabolic and cardiovascular systems.” ~ Source: theconversation.com

For those who are concerned, there are steps to reduce your exposure (suggested by Mayo Clinic):

• Use BPA-free products. Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products including our Awesome Water Filter water bottles. Most BPA-free products are labeled. If it isn’t labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
• Cut back on cans. Reduce your use of canned foods and soft drinks as most cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.
• Avoid heat. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, advises against microwaving polycarbonate plastics or putting them in the dishwasher. This is because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach out and into foods or drinks.
• Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.