Bisphenol A (or “BPA”) is a chemical preservative that is commonly used in the lining of plastic bottles and food & drink cans. Numerous reports have demonstrated that BPA can leach out of these containers and be absorbed by the body. In fact, more than 90% of individuals within the U.S. have detectable levels of BPA in their body. For many years, the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration and Environmental Protection Agency stated that BPA was a biologically safe chemical since there was no conclusive evidence to suggest any potential for BPA exhibiting negative effects on healthy cells. At the time, it was assumed that the tiny amount of BPA in the lining of food containers was too low to be of concern. Scientists have now learned that their previous assumptions were incorrect. Recent studies have shown that the levels of BPA in canned products are actually 5-times higher than previously thought. (Read More Here.)
Increasingly, studies have demonstrated that BPA (an estrogen-like chemical) stimulates estrogen-responsive cells (i.e. breast and prostate), and therefore may increase the risk for the development of many different cancers which grow in the presence of estrogen or estrogen-like chemicals. (Read More Here) Breast and prostate cancers are the most common cancers (other than skin cancers) in the developed world, so identifying and eliminating potential carcinogens that may lead to these cancers would be tremendously beneficial.
In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency added BPA to its list of chemicals of concern and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health and Human Services issued a statements of concern regarding the use of BPA in food and drink containers. Legislative efforts in multiple states have helped in getting manufacturers of baby bottles to begin phasing-out their use of BPA-linings in these products.
Based on a May 2010, published report (“No Silver Lining- An Investigation of Bisphenol A in Canned Foods.” National Workgroup for Safe Markets) it is recommended that you try to avoid or limit your consumption of foods & drinks that come in cans or plastic containers, unless they specifically state that they are ‘BPA-free.’ Manufacturers can use many different types of containers and food preservative liners that are BPA-free. (Read Here For More)
