Your BPA questions, answered
When we posted a little analysis of the new research on the toxic
plastics chemical bisphenol A (BPA) leaching from polycarbonate
bottles, we had no idea how many questions it would inspire. This
month, instead of the usual Ask EWG feature, we've put together a post
in which we answer as many of your BPA questions as we can. We know
you've probably got even more questions. Ask away and we'll do our
best to answer, but keep in mind that there are some questions we just
don't have the answers to yet.
First, a little review: What is BPA?
BPA is a chemical used in the production of certain kinds of plastics,
including polycarbonate plastic (like hard, colored water bottles and
5-gallon drinking water coolers) and the lining of most food and
beverage cans. BPA can leach from the plastic and into foods and
beverages, especially when it's heated or used for long periods of
time. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control found BPA in the bodies of
93 percent of the people they tested, which is especially troubling
since the chemical is linked to breast and prostate cancer and
neurobehavioral changes in offspring exposed in the womb. It's a good
idea to avoid exposure to BPA whenever possible.
Stuff you drink out of
Polycarbonate bottles: As the original post mentioned, studies show
low levels of BPA leach out of polycarbonate bottles (like Nalgene and
other hard, colored water bottles) at room temperature. More BPA
leaches when the bottles are filled with hot liquid. Generally these
bottles will be marked with recycling number seven. Polycarbonate is
hard, translucent or clear plastic.These bottles may be marked with
the number 7. If you're going to use a polycarbonate bottle, be aware
that it's likely that higher amounts of BPA leach out of older and
damaged bottles. Although we recommend that you avoid drinking from
polycarbonate bottles, it's important to note that your potential
exposure to BPA through canned food is considerably higher.
One commenter mentioned recycling; as far as we know, #7 drink bottles
are rarely recyclable. To be sure, check with your local recycling center.
Other plastic bottles: Don't reuse single-use plastic drink bottles
(PET, or #1 plastic). It's a good instinct, but bacteria can build up
on the inside, and they may leach chemicals too. Drop them in the
recycling instead. Bottles made from flexible, cloudy-colored HDPE #2
are considered a safer option if you must have a plastic bottle.
Water filter pitchers and containers: These hard, clear plastic
containers may or may not be made of polycarbonate. One commenter left
a link to a Q&A on The Green Guide which reveals that Brita filter
systems use containers made from styrene methylmethacrylate copolymer.
Brita confirmed for us that they don't use (and never have used)
polycarbonate plastics. Other filter brands may use polycarbonate
plastics; check with them to find out. If your filter does use
polycarbonate plastic, you could consider filtering water and storing
it in glass bottles.
Camelbak hydration systems: Camelbaks's inner bladder is made from
flexible polyurethane, which contains no BPA or phthalates. They have
an antimicrobial silver lining. There's no risk of BPA exposure, but
some scientists have raised concerns about antimicrobial silver.
Metal water bottles: Metal water bottles come in two variations:
stainless steel and aluminum. Many aluminum bottles are lined with an
epoxy or enamel, which is likely to contain BPA. Sigg, the Swiss
company that produces a line of aluminum water bottles, recently
produced test data showing that several new and used Sigg bottles did
not leach BPA at levels greater than 2 ppb after three days of heating
in nearly boiling water -- that's less leaching than polycarbonate
bottles under the same condition. Stainless steel bottles, like Klean
Kanteen, are not lined, so there's no risk of BPA exposure there.
Food containers
Canned Foods: No matter what brand you use or where you buy your
canned food, the cans are almost certainly lined with an epoxy resin
that contains BPA. If they didn't use it, the cans might rust, or you
might end up with metal residues in your food. But because of the high
temperatures used in the canning process, your potential exposure to
BPA from canned food is much higher than your potential exposure from
plastic water bottles.
Only one manufacturer that we know of uses non-BPA lining on some of
their food cans:
Eden Organic Beans are packed in lead free tin covered steel cans
coated with a baked on oleoresinous c-enamel lining that does not
contain bisphenol A (BPA). (Oleoresin is a natural mixture of an oil
and a resin extracted from various plants, such as pine or balsam
fir). These cans cost 13.77 percent more than the industry standard
cans that do contain BPA. This costs Eden $300,000 more a year. To our
knowledge Eden is the only U.S. company that uses this custom made
BPA-free can.
Eden's tomato products are still packaged in cans with a BPA-based
lining. Have a look at EWG's report for lots more on BPA in canned
foods, including certain canned pastas and soups that contained the
most BPA.
Reusable food containers: According to Kathleen's comment, Tupperware
has confirmed that their Rock'n'Serve line does contain BPA. Other
reusable containers may be made of polycarbonate. If not marked with a
number 7, these would be very rigid clear or translucent plastic (not
cloudy or flexible like yogurt containers). As an extra precaution,
avoid putting hot liquids in these or microwaving them. In general
it's best to use safe ceramics or glass containers for microwaving
whenever possible.
Plastic wrap: In 1998, it was revealed that some plastic wraps
contained chemical plasticizers called phthalates, which can migrate
into food. In 2006, the industry group American Chemistry Council
reported that phthalates are no longer used in any US plastic wraps.
Most plastic wraps are made of LDPE, which has fewer contaminant
concerns. Companies aren't required to list what's in their plastic
wrap, though, so your best bet is to be cautious: Avoid microwaving
plastic wrap (use a paper towel instead), and if you must, make sure
it's a microwaveable version. That much, at least, will be listed on
the box.
More consumer goods
Products for baby: A few of you expressed concerns about products
designed for babies, from bottles to formula to pacifiers. Luckily, we
lay out the best choices for many baby products in our guide to
baby-safe bottles and feeding. Some basics: Choose bottles made from
glass or BPA-free plastic. Use a clear silicone nipple, and if you're
feeding formula use a powdered version mixed with unfluoridated water.
As for pacifiers, while the hard plastic part may be made of
polycarbonate plastic, that part doesn't go in baby's mouth -- so get
a version with a silicone nipple, and don't worry too much about the rest.
Dental fillings, dental sealants: These can be BPA-based. If you're
concerned, ask your dentist to show you the Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) for the filling materials and look for bisphenol A or
bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), and bisphenol A-dimethyl
acrylate (Bis-DMA). A fourth chemical, bis-glycidyldimetha crylate
(Bis-GMA), does not appear to give off BPA during use. Try to avoid
having dental work done while pregnant or breastfeeding. Remember that
BPA passes through your body quickly.
Mouthguards: One commenter asked if mouthguards made out of
polycarbonate plastic would be a concern. Contact the manufacturer
directly for more information about the type of plastic your
mouthguard is made of. If it is polycarbonate, then there is some
potential for BPA leaching.
The science
European safety assessment of BPA: One commenter questioned the
validity of the study mentioned in the post, based on a comparison
with the European Union's assessment. We'd like to caution against
holding the EU up as the paragon of chemical safety; while it's true
that they're sometimes more cautious about chemicals than the US, that
frankly isn't saying much. In this case, the EU assessment ignored the
results of dozens of studies showing very low dose effects of BPA and
assumed that rodents are far more sensitive than humans to this
chemical--an assumption that is by no means universally endorsed.
Here in the U.S., the National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently
trying to reconcile the results of 2 expert panels that came to very
different conclusions about the potential harm of low dose BPA
exposures. There results are expected some time in 2008.
Is BPA making me sick? Can I be tested? BPA passes very quickly
through the body, so testing yourself would only give you a snapshot
of the past couple of hours. In general, laboratories do not conduct
BPA testing for individuals, and people must be part of a scientific
study to be tested. Your best bet is to do what you can to limit your
exposure to BPA, and support efforts to require that industrial
chemicals are fully tested for safety before they are put in our food
and in our homes.
____________ _________ _________ ______
Bisphenol A in your body: How it got there and how to minimize
your exposure.
BPA in canned foodThe common plastic additive bisphenol A has been
getting a lot of press lately. It's a hormone disruptor that can be
found in almost everybody, and animal studies have linked it to breast
and prostate cancer, and infertility. Knowing all that won't help you
avoid the chemical, but we've got some information here that might.
Knowing how you're exposed is among the best ways to minimize further
exposure.
How'd it get there?
Studies show canned foods are a common source of daily BPA exposure in
our lives. Cans of soda generally contain less BPA than canned pasta
or soup. The worst foods tested contain enough BPA to put pregnant
women and formula-fed infants much closer to dangerous levels than the
government typically allows. Even some liquid infant formula is packed
in cans lined with BPA, which seems ludicrous given the special
vulnerabilities of children's developing systems.
In addition to canned food, certain plastics are often made with BPA.
Called polycarbonate, these plastics are rigid and clear or
translucent and usually marked with a recycling label #7. Not all #7
containers are made with BPA, but it makes for a reasonable and useful
guideline for avoiding a category of plastics. Some reusable
polycarbonate water bottles (we won't name names), marketed as
non-leaching because they minimize plastic taste and odor, may still
leach trace amounts of BPA. But hold on before you run out and buy a
metal water bottle -- make sure you know what you're getting. Many
reusable metal water bottles are lined with the same BPA-leaching
plastic found in cans of food.
How do you get rid of it?
Unfortunately, BPA is so widely used and manufactured that you're not
likely to eliminate it from your system altogether. There are some
steps you can take to minimize your exposure, though:
* When possible, and especially if you're pregnant and when
feeding a young child, limit the amount of canned food in your diet.
* Avoid using old or scratched polycarbonate bottles. If you're in
the market for a new water bottle, look for stainless steel water
bottles that do not have a plastic liner.
* Don't use plastic containers to heat food in the microwave. Opt
for ceramic, glass, or other microwavable dishware.
* Soft or cloudy-colored plastic does not contain BPA.
* If you're formula feeding your infant, consider using powdered
formulas packaged in non-steel cans. Also, choose baby bottles made
from glass or plastics that don't leach BPA (like polypropylene or
polyethylene) .
http://www.enviroblog.org/2008/03/bpa-questions-answered.htmhttp://www.enviroblog.org/2007/09/bisphenol-a-in-your-body.htm 
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