Bisphenol A is one of the most ubiquitous chemicals in modern life.
It’s used in hard, clear polycarbonate plastics and as an epoxy resin
in the lining of food and infant formula cans, among other everyday
applications. Leached BPA from food and beverage containers
is one of the most common routes of exposure, but also one that
we can exercise some control over—until federal law shifts the
burden of safety to regulators (see cover story).
Tips for reducing your family’s BPA exposure
• Check kids’ plastics first: Developing children are particularly
sensitive to the hormone-disrupting effects of BPA. Though
many major manufacturers have stopped making baby bottles
with BPA—and retailers have stopped selling them—you may
still have old plastic baby bottles at home. Check the code on the
bottom of these products and replace #7 plastics with glass or
BPA-free plastic versions. Also replace sippy cups and children’s
dishes and utensils with BPA-free alternatives.
• Choose fresh or frozen over canned: Soups, beans, infant formula
and other food packaged in cans may leach BPA from the can
lining. Alternatives are available but not widely labeled. Some
infant formula manufacturers have developed or are working
on BPA-free products. Check with the manufacturers for more
information about individual products.
• Don’t heat plastic: Heat and wear increase leaching of chemicals
from plastic. Don’t microwave or otherwise heat food or drink in
plastic dishes, cups, sports bottles or baby bottles.
• Replace old or worn plastic dishes and bottles: Upgrade your
old sports bottle with one of the many new models labeled
BPA-free.

-Strong Voices Spring 2009, Vol. 13