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BPA - Demystified |
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Suspected of being hazardous to humans since the 1930s, concerns about the use of bisphenol A in consumer products were regularly reported in the news media in 2008 after several governments issued reports questioning its safety, and some retailers have removed products containing it from their shelves. A 2010 report from the FDA raised further concerns regarding exposure of fetuses, infants, and young children.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in polycarbonate plastic food and beverage containers and in resin linings for cans. Research has shown that BPA can leach into food from these containers and cans. Because BPA appears to cause health problems in animal studies, some scientists are concerned about the risk BPA poses to humans. Originally the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said BPA was safe. Since then, however, the FDA has acknowledged concerns about the potential effects of BPA on the brain and the prostate gland in fetuses, infants and young children. The FDA is conducting additional research.
If you're concerned about potential risk, you can take simple steps to reduce your and your family's exposure to BPA: Choose glass or BPA-free plastic baby bottles. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids. Avoid plastic containers with the No. 7 recycling label — they're made with BPA. Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Instead, use glass containers designed for microwaving. Reduce your use of canned foods, many cans are lined with a BPA-containing resin.
BPA FREE bottles are a popular solution:
These stainless bottles can be ordered from Ekotribe.com
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