Wednesday, April 23, 2008

What is BPA?

BPA has been all over the news lately, but what is it? BPA stands for Bisphenol A, an estrogen-like chemical which may leach out of polycarbonate plastics (plastics marked with #7). A new American study has linked BPA to breast cancer, early puberty, birth defects, miscarriage, and prostate cancer and is particularly concerned about the effect on babies. Making a few simple changes can protect you and your family from the harmful effects of BPA:

1. Stop using clear plastic baby bottles, research shows that the effect of the estrogen-like BPA on children as being the most significant.

2. Canned foods also poise a risk of BPA leaching, as cans are often lined in plastic BPA. Dispose of older canned foods, especially if they contain tomatoes and other acidic fruits.

3. Replace your polycarbonate bottle with a Sigg, Kleen Kanteen, or another BPA free bottle.

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