BPA: What You Need to Know

BPA, a chemical compound that plagues our water sources and the organisms that reside in it. BPA is brought to these water sources through the plastic waste. But, if BPA is bad for the fish, is it bad for us humans? After all we drink out of plastic water bottles daily. The answer: Yes! BPA gets into your water and can often be found in your tap water. See: http://ecomerge.blogspot.com/2018/04/plastics-in-groundwater.html

What can we do? Alternatives such as: glass, porcelain, metal have been known to be sturdy alternatives. Companies such as Voss have put glass bottles in your favorite convenience stores, not only for convenience but as a sturdy reusable container.

Still not convinced to use the alternatives? Then be smart about the BPA you’re putting in your body. BPA in plastic receptacles are measured by a numeric value. If you’ve never seen these numbers, take a moment and look at the bottom of your bottle. The triangular arrows with the number in the middle signify the BPA code. The code is on a scale of one to seven.

Code one – Polyethylene Terephthalate: Often found in cosmetics, household cleaners, water, juice, soft drinks, salad dressings, oil, peanut butter containers. These containers are meant for a one time use.

Code two – High-Density Polyethylene: Found in laundry detergent containers, milk jugs, and folding chairs/tables.  This code has no known health concerns.

Code three – Polyvinyl Chloride: Found in shower curtains, clin wrap, waterbeds, pool toys, inflatable structures, clothing, and vinyl IV bags. This type should be avoided at all cost.

Code four – Low-density Polyethylene: Found in juice and milk cartons (the lining), grocery bags, some packing materials. No known concern.

Code five – Polypropylene: Found in yogurt containers, margarine containers, plastic cups, baby bottles, kitchenware and microwavable plastic containers.

Code six – Polystyrene: This is used in the form of Styrofoam, and is found in disposable cutlery, CD/DVD cases, egg cartons, and foam cups/to-go boxes. There are a number of health concerns associated with code six, avoid it at all costs.

Code seven – Other: Found in electric wiring, CD/DVD cases, baby bottles, and three to five gallon reusable bottles. This code has been known to be an endocrine disruptor and is advised to steer clear of.

To see a detailed list of health effects, see: http://www.babygreenthumb.com/p-122-safe-plastic-numbers-guide.aspx