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This expression, BPA Free, has been showing up on a lot of plastic containers, specifically those containers that contain food, water and personal hygiene products.

What does BPA mean?

Why has BPA been used in plastic containers?

Why is the BPA Free a misnomer, and in fact just another gimmick of the food, hygiene, general manufacturing and packaging industry (Commercial Industry).

For more information, click on any blue links on this page.

BPA (#➆) when compared to BPF and BPS (#➂) which are the alternative products commonly labeled as BPA-Free or BPA Free.

Yes, these alternatives (the BPF and BPS) are not the actual BPA chemical, however, these have entirely different toxic chemicals added to the same plastic products, including food containers and hygiene products. Thus BPA-Free may not be the solution as BPF and BPS show similar bad effects to health.

The BPA was discovered in the 1890′s, but in the 1950′s, research chemists realized that it could be mixed with other compounds to produce resilient and strong polycarbonate (#➆) plastics.

Today, BPA-containing plastics are used in a large variety of every day product and to make epoxy resins which are applied to the inside of metal (food containing) cans used to keep the can metal from corroding.

However, the problem is that BPA has been found to transfer from the plastic containers and the can lining into the food product and ultimately into our bodies.

Baby bottles and sippy-cups, canned food containers, CD′s and DVD′s, dental filling sealants, dishware, eating utensils, eyeglass lenses, feminine hygiene products, food containers, household electronics, thermal printer receipts, sports equipment, water bottles and much more.

First, BPA mimics the structure and function of the hormone estrogen and due to the estrogen like shape, BPA can bind to estrogen receptors and thus influence body growth, cell repair, energy levels and even fetal development and reproduction.

Too, BPA has the ability to interact with other hormone receptors, like the thyroid hormone receptors, even altering their function. This is critical because the body is sensitive to hormone level changes which ultimately can affect your health.

Countless studies have been done linking BPA to multiple problems including: miscarriages, erectile difficulty, low birth weight, hormonal development, increased risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and the list goes on.

The jury is still out on this question as much research is still be done and new determinations about the plastic products are being discovered regularly.

Most say that plastic containers labeled with 2, 4 and 5 are the safest for use.

However others state that plastic containers labeled with a 1, 2 and 5 do not contain chemicals that are of current concern and are safe.

Definitely get rid of all cracked and scratched plastic containers; recycle them or toss them in garbage.

Since so many studies have linked BPA to numerous health problems, I have personally chosen to avoid this harmful product as much as possible.

On most plastic containers and packaging products you buy, you will find stamped into the plastic, a recycling logo with a number in the middle and sometimes with letters directly below the logo.

Recycle Numbers 1 and 2 are the easiest to recycle.

Recycle Numbers 4 and 5 may be recycled (check with your recycler).

Recycle Numbers 3, 6 and 7 are not recyclable.

Polyethylene Terephthalate. The plastic is usually clear and is the easiest to recycle. This plastic is most used to make bottles for soda, water, mouth wash, salad dressing and nut butters. These bottles are best not reused because this type of plastic is known to allow bacteria to accumulate. Recycled into bottles, carpet, furniture, paneling, polar fleece, polyester fibers, and tote bags.

High density Polyethylene. This plastic is typically opaque and also easy to recycle. This plastic is used to make bottles for bleach, detergent, household cleaners, juice, milk, motor oil and shampoo. Also made from this plastic are tubs for butter and yogurt. Recycled into bags, benches, detergent bottles, fencing, lumber, pens, picnic tables, recycling containers and more.

Polyvinyl Chloride. Health Threat! This plastic used to (and still may) contain phthalates which are linked to numerous health issues. This plastic also contains DEHA, which is linked to loss of bone mass, liver problems and is carcinogenic with long term exposure. DO NOT cook with this plastic! This plastic is used to make bottles for cooking oil, detergent, shampoo. Also, this plastic is used to make clear food wrap, furniture, packaging, plumbing pipes, toys and windows. Recycled into deck material, flooring, paneling, roadway gutters, and speed bumps.

Low-density Polyethylene. This plastic is used to make bags for bread, carpet, clothing, frozen foods, grocery shopping as well as for squeezable bottles and some food wraps. Recycled into compost bins, paneling, trash liners, floor tiles and shipping envelopes.

Polypropylene. This plastic is also a very safe plastic. This plastic is used to make bottle caps, bottles for ketchup, syrup and medicine, clothing, ropes, and yogurt containers. Recycled into brooms, auto battery cases, bins, fibers, pallets, signal lights, ice scrappers and bicycle racks.

Polystyrene. This plastic is used to make compact disks, (CVD, DVD) egg cartons, meat trays, disposable cups and plates. This plastic is Stryofoam, difficult to recycle and bad for the environment. This plastic poses a health risk, especially when heated by leaching toxic chemicals. Recycled into egg cartons, vents, foam packing and insulation.

All plastic resins that do not fit into the first six categories above are put in this category. This category includes polyurethane and polycarbonate (which contains the toxic chemical BPA or bisphenol-A). These plastics are found in sunglasses, phone cases, computer cases, nylon, 3 and 5 gallon water bottles and bullet proof materials. Recycled into plastic lumber and custom made products.

baggies

egg cartons

grocery bags

stretch wrap

Styrofoam

tableware

take out containers

With all the studies showing bad results with exposure to BPA, it may be a good idea to take the effort to minimize the exposure in daily activities.

The word minimize is used here because of the wide spread use of BPA, avoiding it completely could be impossible.

Avoid all plastic containers labeled with recycling numbers 3 and 7.

Avoid food in cans.

Avoid using plastic storage containers for leftover food.

Buy liquids in glass containers instead of plastic bottles or cans.

DO NOT microwave plastic, USE glass. Microwave Safe Plastic is a misnomer.

Eat a diet of fresh, whole foods.

Use glass baby bottles.

Use glass bottles or unlined stainless steel instead of plastic reusable bottles.

Use metal utensils which last longer instead of plastic utensils,.

Say no to (thermal) paper receipts, many stores will e-mail your receipt now.

Wash your hands frequently and always before you eat.