BPA products



Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical made up of acetone and phenol, used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA became a widely used component in products in the 1930's because of its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, avert bacterial contamination, and it's cost effectiveness. Since then there has been much controversy regarding the toxicity of this compound, recent studies since 2008 being the most alarming.



BPA is commonly used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins to make the lining on metal containers, canned foods and certain plastics, usually microwaveable food containers. It is frequently found in any products with the recycling number 7 on the bottom, sometimes accompanied by the word, "other," next to the recycling symbol. Containers with recycling numbers 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are typically nontoxic and do not contain BPA, but may contain plastic compounds such as Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene, Polyvinyl chloride, Polypropylene and Polystyrene.

A large number of household items contain bisphenol A. BPA products include metal food can lining, liquid baby formula, baby bottles, sippy cups, dental fillings, plastic microwavable materials, water coolers, water bottles, and tableware. Scratched or worn out plastic products have been known to leach out considerable amounts of the chemical as well.

BPA products been linked to a whole host of hormone-related problems. Premature onset of puberty, decreased sperm count, increased prostate, decreased testosterone, distorted immune performance, and behavioral effects such as hyperactivity and aggressiveness are a few of the harmful effects. One study found traces of BPA in 90% of Americans urine.