We are surrounded by plastics from the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we go to bed at night. It is hard to avoid them, even though research is starting to show that they may be associated with certain health problems. Bisphenol A, a component of a hard clear plastics known as polycarbonates, is considered to be one of the major culprits. BPA free plastic containers are being produced today as one of the results of a rising movement against this substance. Consumers are putting pressure on companies as they become more aware of the possible health hazards.
It was some time ago that researchers discovered that their mice appeared to have been affected by exposure plastics. This was leaching out of their cages and bottles. Concerns arose as to whether this could be the case with humans as well. There are many animal studies showing a relationship between BPA and harm to health. However, there are still no definitive results on the health effects in humans.
The major problem associated with this chemical is that it does not just stay put but leaches into food or beverages. This effect is accelerated when a container is heated up in a microwave or even washed in a dishwasher. This is because the chemical bonds unravel with heating, washing or even exposure to acidic foods.
Once this chemical gets into the body, it appears to mimic estrogen. The body is very sensitive to sex hormones and exposure to even small amounts of this endocrine disruptor can produce significant changes. Some conditions associated with exposure are altered immune function, breast and testicular cancer, increased risk of obesity, behavioral changes and more recently it has been linked to diabetes and heart problems. The effects on human health appear to be extensive and until more is known, many individuals are making an effort to avoid it as far as possible.
Women who want to have children and those who are already pregnant should be particularly careful of exposure. Some animal studies suggest that fetuses and newborns are harmed most when exposed to the chemical, even if it is in small doses. It has been linked to genetic defects and miscarriages.
It is actually difficult to do this as the substance is used to manufacture many different products and is sometimes even found in unexpected places. Some items are water and baby bottles, food pouches and baby cups. A number of companies that make baby bottles and cups for infants have stopped using BPA in their products and manufacturers of infant formula do not use it in their cans.
An item marked with a number 7 at the bottom inside what looks like a recycle symbol should be avoided as it may contain the chemical. One way to minimize exposure is to replace all plastic with glass. However, this is not always practical. Fortunately it is possible to buy products that are free from this substance.
This chemical can be discovered in some unlikely places. For example, they may be found in dental sealants. It may seem an impossible task to reduce exposure when one is surrounded on all sides by plastics. However, the first small step in the right direction may be to purchase products with labels stating that they are BPA-free.
It was some time ago that researchers discovered that their mice appeared to have been affected by exposure plastics. This was leaching out of their cages and bottles. Concerns arose as to whether this could be the case with humans as well. There are many animal studies showing a relationship between BPA and harm to health. However, there are still no definitive results on the health effects in humans.
The major problem associated with this chemical is that it does not just stay put but leaches into food or beverages. This effect is accelerated when a container is heated up in a microwave or even washed in a dishwasher. This is because the chemical bonds unravel with heating, washing or even exposure to acidic foods.
Once this chemical gets into the body, it appears to mimic estrogen. The body is very sensitive to sex hormones and exposure to even small amounts of this endocrine disruptor can produce significant changes. Some conditions associated with exposure are altered immune function, breast and testicular cancer, increased risk of obesity, behavioral changes and more recently it has been linked to diabetes and heart problems. The effects on human health appear to be extensive and until more is known, many individuals are making an effort to avoid it as far as possible.
Women who want to have children and those who are already pregnant should be particularly careful of exposure. Some animal studies suggest that fetuses and newborns are harmed most when exposed to the chemical, even if it is in small doses. It has been linked to genetic defects and miscarriages.
It is actually difficult to do this as the substance is used to manufacture many different products and is sometimes even found in unexpected places. Some items are water and baby bottles, food pouches and baby cups. A number of companies that make baby bottles and cups for infants have stopped using BPA in their products and manufacturers of infant formula do not use it in their cans.
An item marked with a number 7 at the bottom inside what looks like a recycle symbol should be avoided as it may contain the chemical. One way to minimize exposure is to replace all plastic with glass. However, this is not always practical. Fortunately it is possible to buy products that are free from this substance.
This chemical can be discovered in some unlikely places. For example, they may be found in dental sealants. It may seem an impossible task to reduce exposure when one is surrounded on all sides by plastics. However, the first small step in the right direction may be to purchase products with labels stating that they are BPA-free.
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