What is BPA? 

BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic resins as well as other products. Polycarbonate plastic is used in a wide variety of products due to its durability and lack of electrical conductivity. 

Bisphenol A is used in items such as CDs, DVDs, cars, sports safety equipment, reusable food storage containers and, most well known, drinking containers such as plastic tumblers, baby bottles and sippy cups. 

There has been a lot of concern recently over whether or not BPA is safe for drinking containers, especially regarding children. Parents have been frantically trying to search for BPA-free cups and bottles. Research has been done regarding products that contain BPA, but the fear still exists as to whether or not BPA is harmful.  

Some scientists say that BPA mimics naturally occurring estrogen and is therefore a risk to an unborn child or newborn. They say BPA has the potential to really mess with the entire endocrine system, which impacts the rest of the body and how it functions. 

The FDA has put out quite a bit of information recently assuring the general public that BPA is, in fact, safe. The FDA states, “FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects.” There is, however, a current news item suggesting the FDA was negligent in assuring people of BPA’s safety. 

It seems as though there is no definitive answer as to the safety of BPA. Answers vary from source to source, depending on where you look to find the answer. There are compelling arguments on both sides. Perhaps the best solution is to avoid it whenever possible in every day life. There are so many BPA-free products now available, especially online, they can easily purchase products that are BPA-free.  

For Further Reading:

FDA Comes Under Fire For Assuring BPA Is Safe

Bisphenol A

FDA concludes chemical is safe

The Bisphenol-A Debate: A Suspect Chemical in Plastic Bottles and Cans

Agency: Chemical OK in food containers 

Chemical Used in Plastic Bottles Is Safe, FDA Says 

Chemical in Cans, Bottles Called Safe by US Staff (Update3) 

FDA to hold meeting on baby bottle chemical