Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is used as a plasticizer, which is a substance that makes plastic more flexible. It used to be found in most plastic containers, such as reusable water bottles, cups, and baby formula bottles. However, after a highly public debate about its harmful effects on humans and the environment, BPA was removed from the previously mentioned items. However, what are BPA’s real effects on the human body? Is it still found in products that are potentially in our pantry right now?
According to an article published in the PLoS this year, BPA is a powerful endocrine disruptor, even when present at very low levels. This means that BPA has the ability to mimic hormones that are naturally present in the body. This was the basis of the main argument that led to the removal of BPA from everyday products, as this mimicry can indeed cause multiple harmful effects.
BPA can act like human endogenous hormones, and its most obvious effects can be seen in children. When a child’s hormone level suddenly increases, it can lead to an early onset puberty called precocious puberty. The Breast Cancer and Research and Treatment Journal explains that precocious puberty increases an individual’s lifetime exposure to estrogen, therefore increasing the likelihood of developing breast and uterine cancer. Today, precocious puberty affects 1 in 5,000 children and is more common in females.
Look for BPA-free products! More and more are becoming available as we learn more about the negative health effects of BPA exposure.
Image Source: David McNew
The Journal of Environmental Health published a paper in 2014 that explains the correlation between BPA levels present in umbilical cord blood samples and the weight of a newborn. The researchers concluded that the influence that BPA and other similar chemicals have on children can be observed even before they are born. When compared to babies who were not exposed to high amounts of BPA, those who experienced significant exposure were born with higher rates of metabolic dysfunction and obesity.
Although BPA has been removed from many products it previously was a part of, it has yet to be removed from the linings of canned food, receipt paper, and many other products. Even though we’ve been exposed to this chemical for a long time, it does not mean that future generations should have to endure the same consequences. Hopefully awareness of the physiological effects of BPA will help us be cautious when purchasing toys, bottles of water, and other plastic goods.
