Natural Parenting in a Toxic World: BPA

Many of us who have little ones have heard the dangers of BPA (Bisphenol-A). It is a chemical most often found in (recycling) #7 plastics and sometimes can be identified by the letters 'pc' (for 'polycarbonate') on the bottom of the container. BPA is an estrogen hormone-mimicking chemical that is released into the food/liquid inside the container. Leeching of this toxic chemical increases when heat is added to the mix.

This toxin is commonly used to produce plastic for hard, clear (sometimes tinted): bowls, storage containers, baby bottles, sippy cups, tableware, water/juice/sports bottles, etc. It is also found in other products that seem to be less publicized like the liners inside soda & food cans, liners of popular baby formulas, dental sealant (to prevent cavities), pet carriers, and sports safety equipment.

Why avoid this substance? It takes just a small dose of this chemical for its intake to result in various health issues including:

precancerous tumors
early onset of puberty in females
decline in semen quality in males
uro-genital abnormalities in males

There are a few things you can do to avoid this, and other, harmful chemicals:

Use glass and stainless steel containers whenever possible - even when storing food
NEVER heat in plastic
Reduce (or even eliminate) the use of canned foods/beverages
Be especially cautious if you are nursing or pregnant as this chemical passes through your bloodstream directly to your baby!

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Sources:
http://safemama.com/2008/04/17/bisphenol-a-bpa-crash-course/
http://www.naturalnews.com/021969.html