What is BPA and what is Bisphenol-free plastic?
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Bisphenol A, also known as BPA (Bis-Phenol A), is an industrial chemical that is combined with other components to manufacture mainly polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins.
Nowadays, it is everywhere. BPA can be found in bottles, lunch boxes, plates, glasses, cutlery… A lot of products, some reusable and others not, related to our food, such as beverage cans or food containers.
Why is BPA so widely used?
Because it is a very resistant, light, transparent and highly heat-resistant material. It is a unique polycarbonate among the many thermoplastic options available on the market today. In addition, it decomposes very easily on the ground and in the air.
Is the use of BPA dangerous?
But, although it may seem like a perfect all-purpose material, the truth is that it is not. BPA can become a toxic substance for our organism. In fact, it has been shown that bisphenol A can leach into food or beverages from containers made of this material.
By contaminating the products we consume, BPA can also be absorbed by our body, causing, in very high quantities, possible effects on our health. According to some studies, fetuses, babies and children would be the most affected by the absorption of this component, causing even an increase in blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus type II or cardiovascular diseases.
Recommended uses of BPA or bisphenol A
If you are concerned about this issue, here are some recommendations to avoid exposing our body to the controversial BPA or bisphenol A:
- Heat is not a good ally. Avoid at all costs heating plastic containers in the microwave or washing them in the dishwasher at high temperatures. What the heat does is break down the material, allowing bisphenol A to leach more easily into the food. An example would be baby bottles, an indispensable in the life of newborns.
- When you go to the supermarket, avoid packaged products. We know that sometimes it is difficult, but we advise you, whenever possible, to opt for fresh and whole foods. Products such as fruits or vegetables, it is better to buy them in their natural state, avoiding formats where the product is already cut or peeled.
Impact of GAP on the environment
Bisphenol A is also a polluting component, especially in river and sea water. Although BPA breaks down very easily in contact with soil and air, the same is not true when it comes into contact with water. In 2019, research conducted by several scientists and published in the Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicologyshowed that BPA does not begin to degrade in natural river water until after 50 days. In seawater, it is much worse.
According to the same study, no signs of degradation were found in the sea for 150 days. So BPA is not only harmful to our bodies, but also to our environment.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet banned BPA, it advises consumers to reduce its consumption and exposure as much as possible.
Are there alternatives to BPA?
You can switch to alternative packaging to avoid excess BPA products. Even if you think there are no reusable and resistant BPA-free proposals, there are many. For example, Ecogots reusable cups and bowls are plastic-free.
It is important that the alternative meets all the requirements: BPA-free and reusable (Ecogots are made from rice husks), microwave and dishwasher safe, and really resistant.
If you are at home or in the office, you can also opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers. You know. Try to reduce the use of conventional plastic containers, even if they are reusable. The planet and your health will thank you.
