Did you know….
- BPA is one of the most common chemicals to which we are exposed to in our everyday life. It is the building block of polycarbonate plastic (other, #7) and is also used in the manufacturing of epoxy resins for lining metal food and beverage cans.
- This coating helps to prevent canned foods from becoming tainted or spoiled by bacterial contamination; is to prevent corrosion of the can and contamination of food and beverages with dissolved metals.
- Consumer Reports’ latest tests of canned foods (soups, juice, tuna, and green beans) found that almost all of the 19 name-brand foods tested contained some BPA. The canned organic foods tested did not always have lower BPA levels than nonorganic brands of similar foods analyzed. Chemicals were found in some products of cans that were labeled “BPA-free.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, miscarriages, breast and prostate cancer, reproductive dysfunction, metabolic dysfunction and diabetes, and neurological and behavioral disorders.
- There are alternatives out there to using epoxy resin. Polyester can be used in place of BPA or as an overlay on BPA coating, reducing by 95% the amount of BPA leached into our foods. Natural oils and resins can be used as a lining, such Oleoresin which is a natural mixture of an oil and resin extracted from various plants (pine or balsam). So why aren’t we using it? I am guessing it is cost related.
With all this said, there are skeptics of course, that state human exposure to BPA is minimal and poses no health risk.
“Over four decades of extensive safety research on BPA, shows that consumer products made with BPA are safe for their intended uses and pose no known risks to human health.” (Bishenol-A)
The chemical industry doesn’t think we should be alarmed, noting that Americans absorb quantities of BPA at safe levels and these levels are deemed safe by government standards.
However, what about all the other studies done that prove the contrary? What about the increase in cancer over the years? I guess it is just a fluke and not related to our exposure to known toxins? Right?!
The Cancer Fund is trying to ban the chemical from food and beverages.
For me and my family, it is really not worth the risk. We are exposed to countless toxics daily; from formaldehyde in our couches to phthalates in our shampoo to pesticides in our fruits and veggies.
Maybe the amount of BPA we are exposed to daily in our environment does not have a huge effect, but most probably the FDA and other agencies are not taking into consideration all the other toxins we are exposed to, and this I believe is what is putting our health in jeopardy.
In the long run, I personally believe we are better off using non-toxic products. If we were to add up all the toxics we introduced into our bodies daily, I am sure it would be a large number.
Expose your family to known toxins or try and reduce your exposure. What do you have to loose, really?
You be the judge.
Come back Monday for 10 tips to reduce your BPA exposure!
Sources: Breast Cancer Fund, Care2, Oregon Environment Council, Health.org, Bisphenol-A and Facts about BPA
BPA, chemicals, food, Metal cans, Plastic
I am the Good Girl Gone Green. Seeing garbage cans overflowing with recyclables breaks my heart.
Yes, if this was the ONLY toxin we’re exposed to. They always say the amount is too small for harm, but add them all up and what do you get, a mess of health problems. ICK!
Exactly, that’s what I say! The government isn’t doing much to protect us; all the big companies have them in their pockets….
LOVE your posts, incredibly informative. Just popped in off the Social Parade. I look forward to reading more of your blog! Following via GFC / Andrea
Thank you Andrea!
So much has come out about BPA, it seems silly to still be skeptical about its detriments. But, I know there are always skeptics and they are often quite loud. To those skeptics, I say *even if* it was at safe levels, why don’t we ever think about the accumulation of all these known toxic substances at “safe levels” combining and adding up to seriously negative effects on the earth and the beings living, feeding, and breathing upon it? But, that’s a pretty big *even if* on BPA that I’m not buying.
Love your Friday Fun Facts! Always great to get informed, just a bit at a time. Seems to sink in and be retained longer. :>
Thanks Karen, that is so kind of you! I know, maybe the small amounts are a little safe but it’s the accumulation of all toxins and such that they do not take into consideration! It makes me made because some people don’t think of these things and are unknowingly harming themselves!
I love your site…. very informative and I can’t wait to read more!!!!
Thank you for the follow on my blog!
I would love to talk to you about how you or who designed your site…. I’m just learning & mine is kind ugh….
Thanks again!!!
~Ola
iluv2save.blogspot.com
Thanks! I will email you the company that designed my site!
Ever since we started REALLY recycling our recycling can floweth over and the garbage is only 1/2 full – scary!! Hey there following you this fine Saturday am
Hope you can stop by my place and return the favor soon. http://www.shaunanosler.blogspot.com/
That is great. You want more recycling than garbage!
This one has me scared. I am now trying to buy glass containers where available.
It is scary! Good for you for trying to buy glassware! I know they can be heavy, but so worth in my opinion!
Well here is what I can tell you for a fact, when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s meals were made in the home, using fresh veggies and meats. Frozen was the next best thing but over 90% was fresh. I grew up and never heard of ADD, didn’t know what it was, didn’t know anyone with it or who acted like they had it, it wasn’t until about 10-15 years ago it started hitting my radar with nieces and nephews having it, then as I got a little older still friends kids had it, lots of them it seems. The other think I have noticed is how many allergies the kids seem to have now vs. when I was young, I think the processed food and chemicals is a huge part of both the problems. Thanks for stopping by yesterday, I am following back and really loving your blog!
I 100% agree! I believe a lot of our health problems are related to the toxins in our environment and what is in our foods!
Hello there! I wanted to stop by and let you know I’m passing along the “Versatile Blogger” award to you. I absolutely love reading your posts and learning more about being green! I do what I can but can always do more! Here is the link for the award: http://gritsandgiggles.blogspot.com/2011/08/blog-award.html
Thank you!