What Is Bisphenol-A?

The organic compound Bisphenol-A, garnered media attention in 2008 when new findings indicated that the compound could cause negative health effects, including chronic toxicity. 

Definition of Bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A is a chemical linked to adverse health effects in scientific studies. It's often used in plastics, including baby bottles, sports equipment, food containers, children's toys, and CDs and DVDs. 

What Does Bisphenol-A Do to the Body?

It has been argued that Bisphenol-A damages neurological, reproductive, and immune systems in what is considered a relatively small amount. Low levels of BPA have been linked to the following health problems through repeated contact:

• Early onset puberty
• Cancer (prostate and breast cancer)
• Serious health problems 

Recent Appearances of Bisphenol-A in the News

• In 2009, six producers of baby bottles (Gerber, Platex Products, Inc., Evenflo Co., Avent America, Inc., Dr. Brown, and Disney First Years) signed an agreement not to use Bisphenol-A. The companies were encouraged to sign the agreements by the attorney generals of several states.
• Wal-Mart agreed not to sell any baby bottles containing Bisphenol-A.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has denied that BPA causes harm in small doses. 

How Can I Protect My Family from Bisphenol-A?

Follow these simple steps to protect your family:

• Use powdered infant formula. Ready-to-serve products have been shown to contain more BPA.
• Use caution when serving canned foods to your family. Tomatoes are best purchased in glass jars.
• Give your children fruits and vegetables as snacks, which won't contain BPA. Frozen fruits and vegetables also have more vitamins and nutrients.

Visit our library and read more about how to protect your family from the harmful effects of BPA.