Are BPA free water bottles truly the safest alternative to drink? Why is BPA bad for you in the first place? How much exposure is too much? If you have found yourself asking these questions but finding mixed opinions, you are not alone.
Have you already decided to avoid BPA, but need more guidance? Keep reading for easy and effective ways to reduce your exposure.
What is BPA
A Russian chemist created Bisphenol-A or BPA in 1891. Its creation allowed for the synthesis of certain plastic compounds like resin and polycarbonate. BPA also halted metal corrosion.
Today, you can find it in the lining of canned goods, in disposable and reusable plastic water bottles, coating your water pipes, and in a wide variety of food storage containers.
It sounds like an innovation until studies revealed it is a xenoestrogen in the 1930s. It mimics the natural estrogen found in the human body.
However, this evidence did not halt its production or use. Scientists and health professionals still consider it an endocrine system disrupter.
BPA might be used in:
- Feminine products
- Can lining, including soda
- Lining water pipes
- CD and DVD disks
- Lenses in eyeglasses
- Thermal receipts
- Toiletries
- Bottled water*
- Hard plastic food and beverage containers
- Sports equipment
- Some dental sealants
- *Many bottle companies have started using non-BPA alternatives, most notably Bisphenol-S and Bisphenol-F.
This list does not include leeched BPA from environmental impact.
