Bisphenol A (BPA) has been in the news and research literature quite a bit within the last year in regards to its safety and issues surrounding its use in various food containers, especially infant bottles. Of course, there is always conflicting evidence and it can be very confusing what to believe when it comes to health information. What is deemed safe one minute is pulled from the market the next, so we feel it is best to look at the most current research and opinions of unbiased individuals; such as those at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

First of all, what is (BPA)? Bisphenol A is a chemical product produced in vast amounts for use in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics have many applications for use, from infant bottles to compact discs and epoxy resins are used to coat metal products such as food cans. The main source of human exposure is through food and beverage consumption. (BPA) enters the body by leaching from the container into the food or beverage that is being consumed and the amount of (BPA) varies depending on the temperature of the food or liquid.

The concern over (BPA) began with animal studies indicating that fetuses, infants and children may be particularly at risk from exposure. As we get older our ability to metabolism and eliminate (BPA) increases dramatically; however, this leaves the younger age groups very vulnerable to its potentially harmful effects as it accumulates in the body. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) within the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) conducts research to be utilized as a resource for governmental health agencies. They use a five level scale of concern when evaluating research information, from highest to lowest: *Serious concern *Concern *Some Concern *Minimal Concern and *Negligible concern.

In the beginning of 2010 the (NTP) issued a report stating, “The NTP has some concern for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants and children at current human exposure to bisphenol A.” Some concern is the middle of this five tier scale and indicates that though there is insufficient data from human studies to reach a final conclusion; there are animal studies that showed developmental changes occur in doses similar to human intake. The FDA issued a statement agreeing with this concern, thus ending a long media battle with the FDA and environmental rights groups on the safety of (BPA) exposure to infants and children.

Though there are not concrete conclusions leading to a ban of (BPA), it seems natural to want take steps to avoid exposure where you can. Some ways to decrease exposure is to; limit infants exposure to bottles containing (BPA), reduce consumption of canned foods – opting for frozen or fresh, use a stainless steel water bottle to avoid (BPA) lined metal and plastic water bottles, and steer clear of plastics labeled with #7.

For more information on how to avoid (BPA) exposure or to read more about (BPA) go to:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
National Institute of Environmental Safety
Environmental Working Group

By: Julia Gullotti – All Vitamins Plus Staff Contributor