BISPHENOL-A

Print This Page

Bisphenol A in Plastic Bottles, Food Containers and
Canned Goods

What is the concern about bisphenol A?

Scientific studies and news reports on the potential health risks of polycarbonate plastics containing bisphenol A, or BPA, are a source of concern and confusion to consumers. One reason people may be concerned is because human exposure to BPA is widespread. The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of urine samples from people six years and older. The CDC NHANES data are considered representative of exposures in the United States. Another reason for concern, especially for parents, may be because some animal studies report effects in fetuses and newborns exposed to BPA at relatively low levels.

In response to its own advisory board’s concerns, the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reconsidered its long held position that BPA is safe for all uses. The FDA made public their new position in an “Update on Bisphenol A for Use in Food Contact Applications: January 2010”.

At this interim stage, FDA shares the perspective of the National Toxicology Program that recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.

The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County is committed to protecting the public’s health and the environment by reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Given the widespread exposure to BPA and the suggestion from some animal studies that infants and the fetus may be the most vulnerable, parents and caregivers may choose to reduce their exposure to products containing BPA.

How to Reduce Exposure to Bisphenol A

The best way to reduce bisphenol A exposure is to avoid using products that contain BPA. Many of these ‘new’ approaches are actually a return to earlier safe food storage practices.

Infant feeding

Breastfeeding is the safest way to feed newborns and infants. If infant formula is used, reduce bisphenol A by doing the following:

• Use dry powdered formula packaged in non-metal cans.
• Use liquid formula sold in plastic, mostly polyethylene and polypropylene (#1, 2, or 5), which do not contain BPA.
• Use concentrated liquid formulas.
• Avoid ready-to-eat liquid formulas in metal cans. These cans are lined with an epoxy resin (sealant) containing BPA.
• Use glass baby bottles or plastic bag inserts made of polyethyelene, or switch to polypropylene bottles (labeled #5) that come in solid colors or are milky white, not clear.
  

The following resources and shopping suggestions are adapted from National Geographic’s Green Guide “Baby Bottles.”

• Gerber Fashion Tints (www.thebabyoutlet.com)
• Medela Breastmilk Storage and Feeding Set (www.target.com) glass baby bottles
• BornFree Vented Glass Bottles (www.newbornfree.com)
• Evenflo Classic Glass Nursers (www.ingeling.com)
• Sippy Cups Klean Kanteen 12-oz. stainless steel bottle with sippy adaptor (www.kleankanteen.com)

Water bottles and food storage containers

Many water bottles and food storage containers contain bisphenol A.  Reduce exposure to BPA by taking the following steps:

• Use glass or stainless steel water bottles without plastic linings.
• Avoid plastic containers labeled with a 3, 6, or 7 inside the recycle symbol. (Although not all #7 plastics contain BPA, it’s not easy to tell which contain the chemical and which don’t.)
• Wash polycarbonate bottles by hand with mild dishwashing soap; don’t put them in the dishwasher.
• Harsh chemicals and heat degrade the plastic and increase leaching of BPA into foods and liquids.
• Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave because heat degrades the plastic and increases leaching of BPA into foods and liquids. Ceramic, glass and other microwaveable dishware are good alternatives.
• Dispose of cracked or scratched plastic bottles in the garbage.
• For descriptions of the types of plastics and their symbols go to: www.thegreenguide.com/food/safety-storage/safest-plastics.

For descriptions of the types of plastics and their symbols refer to www.thegreenguide.com/products/Kitchen/Plastic_Containers.

Juice boxes

Foods packaged in juice boxes or cardboard "brick" cartons by Tetra Pak and SIG Combibloc are made of safer layers of paper, aluminum and polyethylene (#2) and are recyclable.

Canned food

Almost all food cans are lined with a bisphenol A epoxy resin (sealant), and industry studies confirm that BPA is found in canned foods and beverages. Reduce consumption of canned foods by using fresh and frozen foods and foods packaged in glass containers or cardboard brick cartons. Save canned foods for convenience or emergencies.

Learn to preserve foods using glass containers. Visit the Washington State University Cooperative Extension which offers canning tips and instructions. Find a Farmer’s market with Puget Sound Fresh Food at: www.pugetsoundfresh.org/.

More information

• National Institutes for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)/National Toxicology Program (NTP): Since You Asked: Bisphenol A (www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm)
• National Institutes for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)/National Toxicology Program (NTP): Bisphenol A Fact Sheet (www.niehs.nih.gov/health/docs/bpa-factsheet.pdf)
• Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit: Check the Kind of Plastics You Use (www.aoec.org/PEHSU/documents/bpa_patient_july_8_08.pdf)
• Plastic Products at a Glance Chart: www.checnet.org/healthehouse/pdf/plasticchart.pdf
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Bisphenol A Fact Sheet (www.fda.gov/food/foodingredientspackaging/ucm166145.htm)
• Washington State Department of Health: Bisphenol A (www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/bpa.htm)

Legislation

March 2010, Washington State passed Senate Bill 6248 which bans Bisphenol A (BPA) from food and beverage containers intended for children under age three beginning July 1, 2011.

In addition, sports bottles sold in Washington may not contain BPA beginning July 1, 2012. Metal cans with interior coatings containing BPA are exempt.

Under the new law, manufacturers, retailers or distributors who knowingly manufacture or sell these products containing BPA face potential fines of $5,000 fine per violation, and up to $10,000 for each repeat offense.

January 2010, the Food and Drug Administration revised its position on BPA's safety, noting "some concern" about its effects on children and infants. Previously, the FDA had held that trace amounts of BPA from food containers are not harmful. The FDA plans additional studies over the next several years.