What is bisphenol A (BPA)?

Often referred to as BPA, this chemical is used to create clear, hard plastics (such as reuseable water bottles) and line metal cans to protect us from botulism. Unfortunately, animal studies have shown that high levels of BPA lead to obesity, fertility problems, breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. Even more troubling: Human studies are beginning to show similar results.

Recent tests discovered that more than 90% of us have a measurable level of BPA in our bloodstreams. Experts say that children who eat several daily servings of canned food (which includes juices and infant formula, as well as fruits and vegetables) can receive a dose of BPA comparable to the levels that caused harm in animal studies.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonates are used to make products such as compact discs, automobile parts, baby bottles, plastic dinnerware, eyeglass lenses, toys, and impact-resistant safety equipment. Epoxy resins containing BPA are used in protective linings of some canned food containers, wine vat linings, epoxy resin-based paints, floorings, and some dental sealants and composites.