What You Need To Know About BPA

Over the past several decades, more and more chemicals are making their way into our food supply.  One of particular concern is BPA, other wise know as Bisphenol A.  BPA is a chemical compound that is found in just about all plastic products that are used for food storage and cooking.  What is particularly troubling is that the FDA has known about the harmful effects of BPA but is currently choosing to ignore the evidence.  In January 2010, the FDA stated that "while it has some concern" about the safety of the chemical, more research is needed."  According to Food Safety News, current research has directly linked BPA to disruptions in the endocrine system and this can cause reproductive, neurological, and behavioral problems.   Additionally, BPA can increase an individuals risk of breast and prostate cancer, contribute to infertility, and cause diabetes, obesity, hyperactivity, and early puberty just to name a few.   More troubling is that BPA is found circulating in over 90% of all cord blood, and according to the CDC, it has been found to be in over 95% of Americans urine.   There are some steps that you can take to protect yourself from this chemical.  

1. Never, ever cook in plastic of any kind.  Remove the food from the plastic and place it on a glass plate. 
2. Do not cover food with plastic when cooking or refrigerating.  Use a glass lid whenever possible, or use wax paper to cover foods in the refrigerator.  This will keep the BPA from seeping into the food.
3.  Get rid of your plastic cups.  BPA will seep into your drinks and beverages.  You can purchase BPA free  bottles from stores like REI.  Check the bottom of the bottle for labeling that states that the product is BPA free.
4. Store food in glass container or glass jars rather than plastic containers.
5. Avoid buying canned foods.  Many canned foods use BPA in that pretty white liner that is inside each can.  There are very few companies that use BPA liners.  Check out the following link for a list of companies that use BPA free liners:  http://organicgrace.com/node/316.
6. Use glass baby bottles or BPA free baby bottles.