Canned foods, Other BPA Products and Infertility

Dr. Gail Prins from the University of Illinois medical school has been researching the affects of Bisphenol A, or BPA, for decades. Her studies prove that even the smallest levels of BPA increase the risk of cancer. Bisphenol is found in canned food, because BPA is a chemical that is used in the can lining. BPA is found in other products too and not only cans, BPA is found in products made of hard plastic (such as baby bottles) too!

The city of Chicago already bans BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. Currently, the Illinois legislature is considering eliminating BPA from all baby food packaging. BPA acts like estrogen and therefore may eventually cause infertility. Numerous studies have proved that only slightly increased levels of BPA cause several types of cancer: the list includes breast, and prostate cancer, adult diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even hyperactivity. Additionally, laboratory research has proved that BPA can cause early puberty, altered reproduction function, and even infertility. Why didn't FDA ban BPA?

One of the reasons is because American Chemistry Council says it's safe. Does that really mean it is safe? A new study was performed. It was conducted by a coalition of environmental and health groups, and the findings were shocking: BPA was present in more than 90% cans tested. So, what can you do? First of all, you should get informed. Check labels on food and products that you buy. You can always buy alternative products. I guess the most elegant solution would be to simply get BPA out of the products that are food related, but until BPA is banned from products like that, consumers should investigate the products they buy. Another interesting information about non-food related products and BPA: BPA is present in receipts from thermal printers, so it would be better for you not to touch receipts from thermal printers, because the BPA can get through your skin too. What is this world that we live in?