The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recently admitted that it was concerned about the possible health effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a compound widely used in manufacturing hard plastic bottles and food packaging. BPA is prevalent in the packaging of our food and in many products we use on a daily basis. What can you do to reduce your family’s exposure to the chemical?

BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastic, a hard plastic that looks like glass but is much lighter, as well as in the resin that is used to line metal food cans and jar lids. Over time, the BPA contained within the food’s packaging can leach into the food, especially if heated. BPA may potentially disrupt the hormonal system by mimicking the estrogen hormone, and may contribute to health problems such as accelerated puberty, increased risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease, as well as behavioral and neural problems in children. In Canada, BPA is classified as a toxic substance under Canada’s environmental protection act, and is banned in the use of baby bottles and canned baby formula.

In your own home, there are several things you can do to minimize your family’s risk of exposure to BPA.  The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit research and advocacy organization, has compiled some excellent tips about how to avoid BPA.

1. Baby Bottles and Formula

The FDA estimates that infants have 12.5 times the exposure of adults to BPA, primarily through plastic baby bottles and the lining of liquid baby formula. To reduce your baby’s chance of exposure to BPA, never microwave milk or formula in plastic containers. Replace your old polycarbonate baby bottles and buy BPA-free baby bottles or use tempered glass bottles. If you are using formula, buy powdered formula if possible, as liquid baby formula has been shown to contain BPA that has leached out of the can lining. Consider buying breast pumps and storage bottles that are BPA-free.

Some research has shown that there are small amounts of BPA present in the lining of baby food jar lids. Although the levels of BPA found in baby food are much lower than those previously found in baby bottles and liquid formula, you may wish to make your own baby food more often to reduce your child’s risk of exposure.

2. Reduce Canned Food Consumption

The Environmental Working Group tested 97 canned foods and found that more than half of the foods had detectable levels of BPA. Acidic foods like tomatoes can also leach more BPA out of can linings. Pregnant women and children, especially, should try to avoid canned foods. Try consuming more fresh and frozen foods instead of canned, and/or buy food stored in glass jars instead of metal cans.

3. Avoid Plastic For Food Storage and Preparation

Avoid using hard plastic containers that are marked with the recycling code “7” on the bottom, or the letters “PC”, indicating “polycarbonate.” Soft plastic containers that are cloudy instead of clear are generally not made with BPA. However, you should beware of all plastic containers, as many of them contain phthalates, chemicals that mimic the male hormone testosterone, and which studies show may have an affect on sperm count and sperm quality in men. To reduce your exposure to the chemicals in plastics in general:

• Store food in glass or ceramic containers
• Throw away any plastic containers that are scratched or damaged, as BPA and other chemicals can leak out from the scratches
• Do not use plastic containers or plastic wrap in the microwave
• Plastic soda and water bottles marked with the recycling code “1” should be used only once