BPA Exposure – Happening Daily and Not Just in Your Water Bottle

You want to buy a new water bottle – a BPA-free one. Yet you may still put yourself at risk for exposure to BPA before you leave the store – and you may be taking that risk home with you. So many of us are focused on avoiding the plastic component bisphenol A (BPA) in our water bottles, and perhaps rightfully so. There are concerns that the synthetic estrogen could be linked to breast cancer, reproductive issues, obesity, and that children may be especially sensitive to the effects of BPA. Some studies have shown that most of us have traces of BPA in our urine, but more research is still being done to find out exactly how this chemical impacts humans in the long term and how the type of products we use impact the amount of BPA in our bodies. For example, an article published on June 2, 2009 in Live Science stated that the Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that college students who drank from bottles that contained BPA had a two-thirds increase of the chemical in their bodies.

Many people feel that any amount of BPA in our bodies is too much, and they are not willing to wait until all the research is done before they take measures to make changes in their daily habits to avoid BPA. One of the most common ways people avoid BPA is by using a BPA-free water bottle. Also, when choosing plastic to use, avoid plastics with the number 7 (look at the recycling number). Try to stick with the numbers 1, 2, or 5 in the recycling triangle. Regardless of the plastic you use, never heat plastic of any type in the microwave, even if it says “microwave safe.” That label simply means that the plastic won’t melt, not that during the heating process it’s 100% impossible for chemicals to be leached from the plastic into your food. Rather, use glass or ceramic to heat your food.

A second way you can limit BPA exposure is by avoiding canned foods. BPA is found in epoxy resins, which are used to coat the metal cans on the inside – right in contact with your food. Many people are concerned that the chemical can leach out of the cans and into the foods. When possible, purchase frozen foods or similar foods in glass containers.

Before you leave the store, you may still be at risk of BPA exposure – when the cashier hands you your receipt. The thermal paper used for the receipt (which is also the same paper used in lottery tickets) can contain BPA. While many paper manufacturers are trying find alternatives and companies are phasing out this paper, it can still be widely found. In a 2004 study by the CDC referenced by the Environmental Working Group, it was reported that people who worked in the retail industry (such as cashiers) had a 30% higher rate of BPA in their bodies than the average adult and 34% higher rate than other workers in the industry. If you work in a store and want to know if your paper is thermally treated, rub it with a coin. If it discolors with the friction, it is thermal paper.

To minimize BPA absorption, do not use alcohol-based hand cleaners. A study published in July of 2011 by Swiss scientists found that the usage of these can actually increase BPA absorption (Biedermann 2010). Rather wash your hands regularly, especially after handling receipts and prior to eating. In order to minimize touching receipts, decline receipts at the gas station and ATM, and try to go “paperless” when possible. When you do get receipts, never give them to a child to play with since they may have more sensitivity to the synthetic estrogen.

While more research still needs to be conducted to know exactly what impact BPA has on the human body in the long term, many people have enough reason to be alarmed and are actively working to limit their exposure. While switching to a BPA-free water bottle is an environmentally friendly, healthy, and cost-efficient decision, it may not be enough to minimize exposure to BPA. Avoiding canned products and minimizing exposure to thermal receipts that use BPA may provide the most beneficial measures in the long term.


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