Last week I shared this article on my Facebook fan page that got quite a lot of attention. The article titled “These Popular Plastic Bottles May Be Messing With Your Hormones” was published in Mother Jones on June 16th and addresses recent research that indicates some BPA free products might still be leaching dangerous hormone altering chemicals. Scary stuff!
These articles can leave you scared, confused and asking yourself “well NOW what am I supposed to do??!!!”
I wanted to take this opportunity to boil down some of this info and answer common questions and confusion about plastics, BPA and keeping chemicals out of our bodies. The information I’m providing does not include EVERYTHING there is to know on this topic (it’s a biggie!) but it will give you a solid understanding of the problem, WHY we should be concerned and some solutions to assist you on your health journey.
An informed consumer is a healthy consumer!
When you understand the WHY behind something you can read between the lines of marketing hype, become more curious about the products you use and consume and are much more likely to make positive changes (and stick with them!). That’s what my goal is with this article. If I tell you to eat a protein rich breakfast because it’s healthy you might try having eggs a few mornings but you’ll go back to your cereal. But, if I tell you that eating protein for breakfast aids in weight loss and decreases cravings you’re more likely to find a way to get that protein in the morning.
So, here we go!
What is BPA?
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences “Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.”
BPA was originally used for electrical applications but its characteristics made it popular for food applications like plastic bottles and can linings (including cans that contain infant formula). It was approved for use in food packaging by the FDA in the 1960’s.
Interesting factoid… The Toxic Substance Control Act was a law passed in 1976 to regulate the introduction of new and already existing chemicals. Here’s the kicker, any chemicals created before 1976 were considered safe and grandfathered in. No further studies were done to confirm their safety. Yes, that’s a jaw dropper.
Where is it found?
BPA is a building block of polycarbonate plastics. These types of plastics can undergo large deformations without breaking or cracking making them virtually shatterproof. They are used in computers, eyeglasses, cell phone cases, medical devices plastic bottles, baby bottles, can linings….the list goes on and on.
What are the health risks?
Many studies have revealed that BPA is a potent estrogen mimic and endocrine disruptor and is associated with a variety of disorders of the female productive system and could put women at higher risk for infertility. BPA acts like estrogen in your body throwing your hormones out of whack. This can lead to breast and ovarian cancer, infertility, heart problems, diabetes, autism and neurological conditions. There is also concern that BPA can be transferred to a growing fetus and low-dose prenatal BPA exposure induces lasting epigenetic disruption in the brain that can have lasting effects on brain function and behavior.
Isn’t BPA free better?
We are now learning that this is not necessarily true. When study after study started revealing the serious health implications of BPA companies used that as a marketing opportunity. “BPA free” started appearing on everything from water bottles to yoga mats. It made consumers feel safer and we were thankful that these companies were looking out for our best interest. Whew! Well, not so fast. When they took out the BPA they replaced it with another chemical – BPS. A study out of the University of Texas last year showed that BPS has the same endocrine disrupting properties of BPA. Whoops!
With the rise in estrogen dominant cancers, young girls getting their periods earlier and earlier and infertility becoming a more common issue for couples you can’t help but wonder if BPA (and now BPS) isn’t playing a major role.
How does BPA get into the body?
Most BPA leaches out of the plastic bottles, baby bottles, sippy cups food containers we use and we then ingest it through our food. Heating plastics in the form of microwaving or putting hot foods into containers increases the rate at which BPA and BPS are released into the food. On a side note – you shouldn’t be microwaving anything, EVER!
It is estimated that over 90% of Americans have BPA in their bodies. Some children may even have more concentrated amounts.
Doesn’t the FDA says it’s safe?
The FDA has also done its share of research into BPA and they continue to insist that BPA is safe for human consumption and that we are really only consuming it in minimal amounts. The only problem is, the FDA is relying on two major industry funded studies that declare BPA safe. That’s right, the plastic industry paid for the research to show that BPA is totally ok and that is the ONLY research the FDA is relying on.
Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture?
Even the FDA’s own Science Board voiced criticism over the handling of this research. In a 2008 report the board stated that coupling together the available qualitative and quantitative information (including application of uncertainty factors) provides a sufficient scientific basis to conclude that the Margins of Safety defined by FDA as “adequate” are, in fact, inadequate.
The FDA has agreed to reassess the research and literature of BPA’s effects on human health but has not revealed a timeline. I’m sure we’ll be kept waiting.
What should you do?
Here are ways to ditch the plastic
Water bottles: Most of us are always on the go, which means we have to take our water with us. Americans use 1500 water bottles every second. Yikes! A reusable water bottle is not only good for YOUR health but the health of our planet as well.
My number one choice is a Ball jar with a Cuppow lid and stainless steel straw. I have heard some hesitate at this solution because they are afraid it will break. These jars are not as fragile as you think. I’ve dropped mine and it’s still in one piece. And, IF it were to break you’re out maybe $2. These jars are cheap! Plus, the narrow jar variety fits perfectly in my cars cup holder.
The Life Factory also makes amazing glass water bottles with silicon sleeves. They started with a basic water bottle and now make baby bottles, wine glasses and food storage containers! They even have one with a straw. And yes, the straw is plastic BUT Life Factory states that their straws are BPA/BPS and phthalate-free. Phthalates are listed as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Learn more about phthalates here.
If you’re still skeptical about glass then opt for stainless steel. Just do a bit of research to make sure your bottle isn’t lined with any weird chemicals.
Food storage: If you have a towering pile of plastic food containers teetering in a kitchen cabinet it’s time
to say “see you later!” Ditch those toxic plastic food containers and opt for glass containers instead. I bought a great set of Snapware glass containers from Costco a few years back and use them everyday. They travel well and you can put them in the oven. Yes, the lids are plastic but you’re not eating off of the lid so I’m less concerned. I have also found them sold individually places like TJ Maxx and Ross so I’ve added to my collection that way.
I also use Ball jars to store my trail mix, soups, leftover grains and even hearty salads. You can use these jars to freeze things as well. My freezer is packed with labeled jars of soups, stews and grains. Just be sure to leave about an inch at the top so your jar doesn’t crack.
Transitioning away from plastic can be a process. Start by clearing out the containers that have any food stains, rings or etching mostly caused by microwaving plastic. That is a big sign that chemicals are leaching into your food. Get a set of glass containers and start using those. Slowly but surely over time start ditching one or two plastic containers at a time. Before you know it you will be so used to glass you won’t remember the days of plastic.
If you do still use some plastic don’t heat it or put acidic foods in it. Both heat and acid can erode plastic and accelerate the leaching of chemicals into your food. Use any plastic only for dry goods or brief storage.
Cooking tools and utensils
After the flurry of the article I mentioned a good friend of mine asked me what I thought about Silpat mats. If you’re not familiar, a Silpat is a non-stick baking mat to prevent cookies and other baked goods from sticking.
Silpat is made of fiberglass mesh and food grade silicone and according to their FAQ’s page the mats are safe and conform to FDA regulations. Well, we already took a peek at the FDA and how they make their regulations. This doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy. There isn’t much safety information about silicone available but I am still hesitant to heat up any form of plastic and put my food on it.
Instead, use unbleached parchment and paper muffin liners. These can be composted or burned (if you live in the boonies like we do J).
Canned Food
Most cans in the U.S. are still lined with BPA. This is especially a concern for acidic foods like tomato products which can erode the
lining much more quickly. There is not much information about what cans are lined with instead and if BPS has been added to the mix.
Treehugger has compiled a helpful list of companies that are not using BPA in their cans. Over the last year or so I have significantly cut back on our canned food usage. The only cans in my pantry are coconut oil from Native Forest, canned tuna and sardines from Wild Planet and 2-3 cans of beans from Eden Organic if I’m in a pinch.
Beans is a popular product to buy in a can. I agree. They are pretty darn convenient! But, in my transition away from cans I have become much more accustomed to cooking dried beans. It saves me big bucks and it’s not as hard as many think. Just soak them overnight and then cook them in boiling water. I tell my clients to pretend like they’re cooking pasta. Then, I fill them into jars and freeze them. When I’m making something with beans I pull them out the night before or the morning of. If I forgot and I’m desperate I’ll just submerge them in hot water. Voila!
I hope this was helpful and provide you some insight into the ongoing BPA saga. There is no reason to be afraid but all the more reason to be informed!
Will you be changing some of your kitchen gadgets and habits based on the new research around “BPA free?” What kind of water bottle or food containers do you use? Please share in the comments!