What is BPA?

BPA is Bisphenol A, a known and proven endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemical. Scientific reviews have linked exposure to BPA with a high risk of cancer.

Where is BPA found?

65% of BPA is used in the production of plastics and makes platics heat and shatterproof. It is found in food and drink containers, resusable bottles, compact disks, sunglasses, refrigerator shelves, microwave containers and eating utensils. It is also an ingredient in expoxy resins which are found in food and beverage can linings (infant formula tins, baked beans etc), adhesives, paints, nail polish, dental sealants, to name but a few. And finally, it is found in pesticide formulations, water main filters, rubber and PVC, flooring.

How can I avoid BPA?

• store food in stainless steel, glass or ceramic containers.
• if you must use plastic, avoid using plastics with recycling codes No. 3, 6 or 7.
• avoid heating or storing food or drinks in plastic containers.
• avoid canned food and food grown in pastic greenhouses.
• avoid using unlabelled plastics. You can find out what plastic is made of by contacing the manufacturer.

Where can I read more about BPA?

Friends of the Earth have produced a PDF Consumer guide, 'Bisphenol A in plastics: does it make us sick'. This guide will tell you all you need to know and more.