Dear   :

 

I recently spoke on the endocrine system and was surprised at the number of questions I received regarding BPA in plastic. So I thought I'd share some interesting information about BPA.

Plastic bottling has been in the news often due to the health risk posed by a potentially harmful chemical involved in the production of plastic. Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic hormone compound used as a strengthening agent, has been deemed unsafe by various research institutions and agencies. BPA, which is used in many plastic products because it acts as a synthesizer for a variety of polymers and plastics, can mimic estrogen and can lead to unintended hormonal changes and influences when introduced into the body. In extreme cases, BPA has been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
 
The danger with BPA is not in construction of the plastics, but rather in the leeching of the chemical into liquids and foods stored in the bottles or containers, especially when heat is applied. The leeching of the chemicals has caused unsafe levels of BPA in infants and at-risk levels in adults. To play it safe, Canada put a ban on the chemical, and many U.S. companies plan to phase out the production of BPA products over the next several months.
 
Helpful hint to check the safety of your plastic bottle:
 
Turn the bottle upside down and look for the triangular recycle image. In the middle of that image is a number from 1 to 7 that reflects the type of recycling methods used for different constructions of plastics. The most dangerous of the seven types is number 7, which is an amalgamation of various different plastic compositions.
 
2 HDPE, 1 PETE and 5PP plastics are all BPA-free.
 
Interesting facts:
 
* NEVER buy plastic shower curtains (the plastic is a xenoestrogen. Xenoestrogens are environmental hormone disruptors that create an imbalance with the body's hormones.

* Brita water bottles are BPA-free.

 

* When buying new water bottles, make sure the accompanying tag reads "no BPA."

 

* All plastic bottles used by the AIM Companies for the AIM products are BPA-free.

 

* Avoid using soft plastics for food storage. Instead, use Tupperware or Rubbermaid.

 

* Drinking bottled water daily is not advisable.

 

* Never heat food that is wrapped in plastic in the microwave. 
 
Until next time, stay healthy!
Lere