BPAs, a chemical in plastics, linings of cans, receipts, and more, is everywhere. Chances are, you’re encountering it every day.
Hormonal Disruptor
BPA is an endocrine disruptor. This means it can imitate estrogen, leptin (appetite regulator), and other hormones, which disrupts the body’s natural processes. For example, estrogen levels can increase, while testosterone levels can decrease. These disturbances can result in menstrual health irregularities, decreased sperm quality, fertility problems, increased hunger, and increased risk of obesity.
BPA’s Impact on Metabolism
Research has indicated BPA can disrupt insulin functionality and metabolism, even at EPA-approved exposure levels. BPA can impair the body’s ability to produce new insulin, contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
Everyday Sources of BPA Exposure
BPA is found in common items, from food cans to receipts. Heating up food in plastic containers or leaving water bottles in hot places can increase exposure. Touching receipts after using hand sanitizer can allow BPA to more easily be absorbed into the skin.
How to Reduce BPA Exposure
Here are some ways to minimize your exposure, from experts:
Buy fresh, whole foods instead of packaged or processed options when possible
Switch out common plastic containers for BPA-free containers, such as glass
Don’t heat up food in plastic
Choose BPA-free cans of food
When buying items with plastic, avoid plastics with recycling codes of 3 and 7
Studies show that avoiding canned foods, polycarbonate plastics, and thermal paper receipts can significantly reduce BPA levels in the body.
Actions from Governments
Across the world, governments are enforcing regulations on BPA. In 2024, the European Commission banned BPA from materials that come into contact with food, such as metal can linings and reusable bottles. The EU also prohibited BPA in paper receipts in 2020.
The U.S. government has the CLARITY-BPA program, which is a hub of government and academic research to assess BPA health risks and act accordingly.
Sources:
https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/bpa-disrupts-hormones-and-blood-sugar-metabolism-how-to-limit-exposure-5813289
