It makes me worry when they actually have someone on the local news telling you about the harms of BPA for you and your children. It makes me worry even more that no one is doing anything to get this chemical out of our everyday lives. I’m sure you have all seen the newer baby bottles that say BPA free but if you’re giving your baby formula there could be BPA in the container storing the formula. These are the people we should be protecting they can’t protect themselves. Here is just a few notes about BPA and what you probably haven’t heard before.
First of all maybe you don’t know what BPA is. BPA or Bisphenol A is a chemical compound used in making polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin in tin cans. You can also find this in food storage containers, water bottles, medical devices, CDs, and even receipts. Yes, just touching this can be harmful. In Japan they have completely banned the use of BPA and Canada has now named it a toxic chemical. So, why is the United States denying all of this and still using it in our everyday lives?
This has been linked to many health issues like; cancer, diabetes, obesity, infertility, hyperactivity, impaired learning and memory, increased aggression, and early onset of puberty. I have said for many years now there has to be a reason kids are physically maturing alot earlier and now we know.
Even though you can’t avoid this chemical completely right now there are ways to keep your young ones safe. Avoid plastics marked with 3, 6, and 7. Many companies are realizing the consumers are paying more attention to the amound of BPA they come in contact with so there are many products that will say BPA free. As for canned foods it can be a little more difficult. Canned meats, pastas, and soups have the largest amount of BPA in the can. If your rinse canned fruit or vegetables before eating it can lower the amount of BPA that you consume. If you use plastic food storage containers check the number on the bottom of the container with the ones I mentioned earlier. Do not heat these in the microwave and you should either wash them by hand or put them on the top rack in the dishwasher. I’ll be looking for new containers soon!
