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BPA is a symbol you may frequently encounter on household items. However, do you understand what BPA is? What are the harmful effects of BPA on human health? Let’s explore the information below to better understand this type of plastic!
What is BPA?
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a common industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is often used in household plastic products, water bottles, canned goods, food packaging, medical devices, children’s toys, pacifiers, baby bottles, and many other products.
In addition to the term BPA, many people will encounter the term BPA-free when using household items. So, what is BPA-free plastic? BPA-free is a term that refers to products that do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA) – a chemical compound used in the production of plastic products. BPA-free products have been developed to minimize the risk of exposure to this substance and make plastic products safer for human health.
You should learn about what BPA is to have more information about this type of plastic.
How to identify products containing BPA
To identify whether a plastic product contains BPA, you can check the product label or product code on the surface. If the product is not marked, you can refer to some of the following distinguishing measures:
- Look for it on the product label: Many manufacturers now mark “BPA-free” on the product label to indicate that the product does not contain BPA.
- Code numbers 3, 7 on plastic products: These products may contain extremely dangerous BPA.
- Plastic products that are more transparent: Plastic products that are transparent light gray may contain BPA.
- Hard plastic products: Hard plastic products such as water bottles or cans may contain BPA.
- Recycled plastic products: Because recycled plastic is often taken from old plastic products, the possibility of containing BPA is very high.
You should use BPA-free plastic products.
Harmful effects of BPA on human health
BPA is a chemical widely used in the production of plastic products and food preservatives. However, many studies have shown that BPA can be harmful to human health, especially with long-term exposure. The harmful effects of BPA on human health include:
Effects on the endocrine system
BPA can affect the human endocrine system, causing endocrine disorders. Moreover, it affects the development of reproductive cells, causing infertility, vestibular disorders, and affecting hormone production function.
Causes digestive disorders
BPA can increase the risk of colitis, digestive disorders, and reduce liver function.
Impacts the nervous system
Studies show that BPA can affect the nervous system, cause behavioral disorders, and impact brain development.
The harmful effects of BPA on human health are significant.
Impacts the immune system
BPA can also affect the human immune system, causing immune-related problems such as inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Harmful to brain cells and infants
Some studies have shown that BPA can harm brain cells and affect infant development.
Potential cancer risk
Many studies have shown a link between BPA and cancer, especially breast cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer.
How to limit exposure to BPA?
In daily life, it’s not difficult to encounter plastic items. However, to limit exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA)-containing plastics, you can take some of the following measures:
- Use BPA-free products: Avoid using BPA-containing plastic products such as water bottles, thermoses, food containers, and other products. The composition of the plastic is usually indicated on the bottom of each bottle, so you should carefully review this information.
- Use glass or stainless steel products: Glass and stainless steel are safer materials than plastic; you can use glass bottles or stainless steel thermoses to replace common plastic products.
- Avoid using plastic in the microwave: High temperatures can cause BPA to leach from plastic products into food, so you should avoid using plastic products in the microwave.
- Do not use old, scratched plastic products: When plastic products are scratched or old, BPA can easily penetrate into food.
- Use wooden or silicone handles and utensils: You can use wooden or silicone handles and utensils instead of plastic products.
- Implement general health protection measures: To minimize the effects of BPA, you should implement general health protection measures such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting exposure to other harmful substances, and improving resistance.
You should limit exposure to BPA to best protect your health.
Readers, please learn about what BPA is and the harmful effects of BPA on human health to avoid exposure to BPA and minimize the risk of health problems. Using BPA-free products will be a safer choice. Be a smart consumer!
See more:
- What is BPA-Free Plastic? Is it safe? Distinguishing it from BPA plastic
- Top 10+ baby bottles without harmful BPA, safe for babies
- Should I buy glass baby bottles or plastic baby bottles for my baby?
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