Plastics are everywhere today and are used for numerous different purposes. However, research is starting to reveal that some of their components may be damaging to our health. The component many individuals are particularly concerned about is Bisphenol A. This is found in the hard, clear plastics often used for making bottles and many other items used to contain food and beverages. Concern about exposure has arisen to the extent that many companies now produce BPA free plastic containers. It is possible to source them more easily now, including from online stores.
It was some time ago that researchers discovered that their mice appeared to have been affected by exposure plastics. This was leaching out of their cages and bottles. Concerns arose as to whether this could be the case with humans as well. There are many animal studies showing a relationship between BPA and harm to health. However, there are still no definitive results on the health effects in humans.
The major problem associated with this chemical is that it does not just stay put but leaches into food or beverages. This effect is accelerated when a container is heated up in a microwave or even washed in a dishwasher. This is because the chemical bonds unravel with heating, washing or even exposure to acidic foods.
The effects of this chemical in the body are suspected to be widespread. It appears to act as an endocrine disrupter, mimicking estrogen and disturbing the delicate balance of hormones. This is thought to result in all sorts of problems from breast and prostate cancer to increased chances of becoming obese. Although we are not absolutely sure yet about the effects on human health, there is enough evidence to make individuals aware that it is better to minimize their exposure.
Some animal studies have indicated that fetuses and infants are most vulnerable to the effects of this chemical. Pregnant women would do well to try to avoid it as much as possible and parents should also try to reduce exposure of their small children. There is enough evidence available to influence many people to avoid exposure as far as possible.
Unfortunately, this substance is widely used in the manufacture of bottles, plates, food packaging, pouches for food storage, baby cups and a plethora of other items. Even items like tin cans use protective linings containing this substance. As more and more consumers are becoming aware of the suspected negative effects they are putting pressure on companies to provide alternatives.
More and more BPA-free products are now available and they are labeled as BPA-free. If a product is not labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA. If one is serious about reducing exposure, it is best to avoid these.
This chemical can be discovered in some unlikely places. For example, they may be found in dental sealants. It may seem an impossible task to reduce exposure when one is surrounded on all sides by plastics. However, the first small step in the right direction may be to purchase products with labels stating that they are BPA-free.
It was some time ago that researchers discovered that their mice appeared to have been affected by exposure plastics. This was leaching out of their cages and bottles. Concerns arose as to whether this could be the case with humans as well. There are many animal studies showing a relationship between BPA and harm to health. However, there are still no definitive results on the health effects in humans.
The major problem associated with this chemical is that it does not just stay put but leaches into food or beverages. This effect is accelerated when a container is heated up in a microwave or even washed in a dishwasher. This is because the chemical bonds unravel with heating, washing or even exposure to acidic foods.
The effects of this chemical in the body are suspected to be widespread. It appears to act as an endocrine disrupter, mimicking estrogen and disturbing the delicate balance of hormones. This is thought to result in all sorts of problems from breast and prostate cancer to increased chances of becoming obese. Although we are not absolutely sure yet about the effects on human health, there is enough evidence to make individuals aware that it is better to minimize their exposure.
Some animal studies have indicated that fetuses and infants are most vulnerable to the effects of this chemical. Pregnant women would do well to try to avoid it as much as possible and parents should also try to reduce exposure of their small children. There is enough evidence available to influence many people to avoid exposure as far as possible.
Unfortunately, this substance is widely used in the manufacture of bottles, plates, food packaging, pouches for food storage, baby cups and a plethora of other items. Even items like tin cans use protective linings containing this substance. As more and more consumers are becoming aware of the suspected negative effects they are putting pressure on companies to provide alternatives.
More and more BPA-free products are now available and they are labeled as BPA-free. If a product is not labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA. If one is serious about reducing exposure, it is best to avoid these.
This chemical can be discovered in some unlikely places. For example, they may be found in dental sealants. It may seem an impossible task to reduce exposure when one is surrounded on all sides by plastics. However, the first small step in the right direction may be to purchase products with labels stating that they are BPA-free.
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