What is BPA? Should I be worried about it?

What is BPA? Should I be worried about it?

- No name / No state given

Answer

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in polycarbonate plastic food and beverage containers and in resin linings for cans. Research has shown that BPA can leach into food from these containers and cans. Because BPA appears to cause health problems in animal studies, some scientists are concerned about the risk BPA poses to humans.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that current levels of exposure to BPA are not an immediate health risk. However, the FDA acknowledges that more research is needed. If you're concerned about potential risk, you can take simple steps to reduce your and your family's exposure to BPA:

• Choose glass or BPA-free plastic baby bottles.
• Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids.
• Avoid plastic containers with the No. 7 recycling label — they're made with BPA.
• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Instead, use glass containers designed for microwaving.
• Reduce your use of canned foods — many cans are lined with a BPA-containing resin.

RELATED

• Moldy cheese: Is it unsafe to eat?
• Food safety: How long can you keep leftovers?
• Freezing or microwaving plastic: Does it release dioxins?
• Thanksgiving turkey: Can you cook it frozen?
• Canned food: How long can you safely keep it?
• Phenylalanine in diet soda: Is it harmful?
• Freezing meat: Does it kill harmful bacteria?
• Don't forget food safety with your party plans
• Limit acrylamide in diet
• Study looks at health impact of bisphenol A