What does BPA stand for?

BPA (short for Bisphenol A) is a term we often come across yet many of us do not exactly know what it means. We know that BPA is a chemical that can be found in bottles and other sorts of packaging materials. The facts behind PBA do, however, stay unknown to most of us. So what is BPA and is it really that bad for you? Throughout this article, uCan-Packaging will explain in detail what BPA stands for and which risks it may bring along.

What is BPA?

BPA stands for Bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used since the 1960s to produce certain types of plastic and resins. According to the Constitutional Council of France, up to 4 million tonnes of BPA chemical was produced in 2015. This makes Bisphenol A one of the most produced chemicals in the world. BPA-based plastics are colorless and feature a tough design. This makes it a perfect component to be used in the production of certain common consumer products. Throughout the past, BPA-based plastic has been mostly used to produce water bottles. However, it is also used in other products such as toiletries, household electronics, CDs, sports equipment, and thermal paper. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008), around 72% of all BPA produced is used to make polycarbonate plastics whereas 21% is used for epoxy resins, also known as epoxy glue. Epoxy glue that contains BPA is often used to produce coatings that are applied on the inside of many food packaging and beverage tins. The reason behind this lies in the fact that BPA resins are poorly soluble in water which makes them perfect for prolonging the lifespan of tins that hold food or other water-based products. Although BPA brings along plenty of useful industrial applications, the chemical is raising concerns by people worldwide. Globally, people have raised their concerns about the usage of Bisphenol A in consumer products. It is commonly believed that BPA plastics and epoxy glues that are used for coating food cans may dissolve and affect the content of the packaging which may lead to health issues. Extensive scientific research performed by global government agencies such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2014) and the European Food Safety Authority (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2015) show, however, that the use of BPA is safe. Nevertheless, some places like the EU and Canada have banned the usage of BPA in certain products such as baby bottles.

What is BPA used for?

Products that contain BPA plastic can be found back in nearly any industry. Everyday items such as the receipt you receive in a shop, bottles, food containers, and sports equipment are known to have Bisphenol A. Although we usually think about food packaging when talking about BPA, it has to be known that merely 5% of all Bisphenol A produced annually is used in products that have direct contact with food or drinks. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2010) Nevertheless, it is this industry in which BPA has gotten most of its negative attention throughout the past two decades. The reason why BPA is used to make plastics lies in the fact it produces a shatterproof and colorless material. This makes it perfect to be used in the production of bottles. According to the Bisphenol A Global Industry Group (2012), BPA based bottles have been around ever since the late 1950’s. Besides the production of water bottles, BPA is also used to make other common items such as medical devices, consumer electronics, thermal paper, eyeglass lenses, and in the lining of water pipes. Although mostly used to make plastics, BPA also plays a central role in the production of epoxy resins. This material is known to be poorly soluble in water which makes it a preferred coating for beverage tins, bottle tops, and food containers.

Is BPA dangerous?

The key question when talking about BPA is whether it is detrimental to your health. Throughout the past, countless research has been conducted in the field of BPA and its effect on your body and mind. Whilst some research has shown that even little amounts of Bisphenol A may cause health issues, major research institutions and government agencies such as the EPA, FDA, and EFSA contradict these claims. According to them, the average amount of BPA obtained daily through consumer products is not enough to have a negative effect on a person’s health. As stated by Andrew Wadge (2011), Chief Scientist at the Food Standard Agency in the UK: ‘’BPA is rapidly absorbed, detoxified, and eliminated from the human body. Therefore, it should not be considered a threat to our health’’. Nevertheless, the fact that BPA can seep into food or beverages via its container is well-known all around. And although major European and American agencies believe that current exposure levels of BPA do not cause any health issues, it has to be stated that not everybody agrees. In 2017, the European Chemicals Agency claimed that BPA should be considered as a dangerous substance because of its properties as an endocrine disruptor. (ECHA, 2017) This means that it can imitate your hormones and interfere with their functions such as growth and cell repair. (Diamanti-Kandarakis E, et al, 2009) And Although the FDA claims that a daily exposure that does not exceed 50mcg/km is safe (Jason A. 2014) – other studies argue that negative effects already occur at much lower levels measuring as little as 10 mcg/kg daily. (Hunt PA, et al 2012) In some countries, the use of Bisphenol A has already been banned for a longer period of time in the production of certain products such as baby bottles. The reason behind this lies in the fact that it is commonly believed that Bisphenol A may have negative effects on the brain, blood pressure, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children. The chemical is furthermore believed to affect the female estrogen hormones and to increase the chance of heart disease, obesity, and other health problems. (WHO, 2011) Therefore, one might wonder whether BPA really is as innocent as people like to claim. Up to date, the potential harms caused by Bisphenol A is a topic of scientific debate and further investigation is prioritized by major health research institutions around the globe.

How does BPA enter your body?

As BPA is mainly used in food packaging and metal food containers, the main source of the chemical’s exposure to your body is through your diet. When BPA wrappings are produced, it is possible that not all the Bisphenol A gets properly sealed into the product. When this happens, it allows parts of the chemical to break free and mix with the contents of your plastic container. Once you consume these foods or fluids, the BPA will enter your body. (Geens T, et al., 2010) According to Frederich vom Saal (2018), Bisphenol A can be found in the bodies of 90% of all Americans. A recent study performed by Rudel RA et al (2011) has shown that people who eat canned soup for 5 days in a row on average had a 1,221% higher level of BPA inside themselves compared to people that ate fresh soup during the same time period. Added to that, the World Health Organization published a report in which it is claimed that the BPA levels in breastfed babies were a staggering 8 times lower compared to those of babies who were fed milk from BPA-containing baby bottles. (WHO, 2011) Based on these and similar research, it’s safe to state that the main intake of Bisphenol A into our bodies comes from packaged and canned foods.

How to find out if plastic contains BPA?

Finding out whether your plastic based product contains BPA might be a little bit tricky as there are no BPA labeling requirements. Due to this, companies are not legally required to inform people on whether they use BPA-based plastics. Although you can never be entirely sure, there is one little trick you can keep in mind when selecting your bottles. Plastic packaging materials are split into seven different classes. These 7 plastic identification codes have been created mainly for recycling purposes. Generally speaking, all plastic materials that are fall under categories 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are highly unlikely to contain BPA chemicals. Type 3 plastics (PVC) can possibly have BPA as an antioxidant. This can mainly be found in ‘’flexible PVC’’ that has been softened by plasticizers. Regular and rigid PVC such as pipes do, however, not feature any Bisphenol A. (Helmut. F, et al, 2000) Besides type 3 plastics, those marked with the Plastic Identification Code 7 may also contain BPA. Among the 7 different classes, class 7 is considered the ‘’other’’ class that is filled with types that cannot be housed in the first 6 categories. Certain type 7 plastics such as polycarbonate (often identified with the symbol PC) have been crafted out of BPA. Therefore, if you wish to be certain not to use any type containing Bisphenol A, it is better to stay clear of those categorized as ‘’other’’ (number 7).

Do tin cans contain BPA?

Although Bisphenol A is most commonly used in food containers and bottles, the chemical can also be used to coat other packaging materials such as aluminum cans and metal tins. Especially the larger metal food tins used for soup and other liquid-based foods often have BPA-coatings. A small study performed by Inhabitat revealed that 46 out of 50 tins they tested contained traces of BPA. Although the use of BPA in tins is common, not all of them have this chemical. As of late, many factories are manufacturing BPA-Free metal tin containers. At uCan-Packaging, we only work together with such producers, thus guaranteeing that all our metal tins are BPA-Free. A more detailed report on the presence of this particular chemical in metal tins can be found in our article named: Do all tin containers contain BPA?

Tips to reduce BPA exposure

Although both the American and European research institutions state that BPA is harmless, some people still wish to stay on the safe side of things. If you are concerned about BPA, there are several simple steps that you can take to lower your exposure to Bisphenol A.

1. Buy products that are BPA-free: Although there is no proof solid proof that BPA is harmful to humans, many manufacturers are choosing to create BPA-free products. The next time you go out for shopping, look for products that have been labeled as BPA-free and you can be certain it does not have any Bisphenol A plastics or coating. In case the product of your liking has not been labeled, you should keep in mind that plastics that fall within recycle category 3 and 7 could possibly have BPA.

2. Use fewer cans: Some food tins and beverage cans are lined with BPA-containing resin. Therefore, if you wish to cut back possible exposure to BPA, it is a good idea to reduce your use of canned foods and soda drinks. Instead, prepare your meals with fresh ingredients.

3. Use alternative containers: Many of us wish to bring along our own lunch to the office or to school and our primary choice of lunch box is the standard plastic container. If you wish to cut back on BPA exposure, however, it would be smart to choose for an alternative option. Instead of a standard container to store your hot foods or liquids, search for one that has been made from glass, porcelain, or stainless steel.

4. Avoid heat: According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, plastic containers may break down when exposed to hot temperatures. Once your container is damaged, there is a small chance that the BPA can spill out and enter into your foods. Therefore, it is not advised to microwave these storage boxes or put them in the dishwasher.

5. Be careful when buying toys: Besides its presence in food containers, BPA can also be found in other plastic-based products such as toys. Therefore, it is important to make sure the toys you buy for your little ones are BPA-free. Especially if it’s a toy he or she is likely to suck or chew on. In some cases, it may be smart to choose wooden toys instead.

6. Use powdered infant formula: Some people recommend using powder-based infant formula over liquid ones from BPA bottles. The reason behind this lies in the fact that liquids are more likely to absorb the chemical from the container.

Should you be worried about BPA?

Whether BPA really is as dangerous as some studies suggest is a topic for scientific debate. Although people commonly believe that the chemical is harmful to your health, many major research institutions and toxicology societies are denying these claims. According to both the FDA (2014) and EFSA (2015), our current exposure to Bisphenol A has no negative effects on our body. Nevertheless, it is never a bad idea to try to limit your BPA exposure. Particularly for pregnant women, it would be smart to stay away from BPA plastics. As for the others among us, taking a regular drink from a water bottle or aluminum canister should not be a reason to panic and neither should be eating canned foods. If, however, you still wish to minimize your BPA intake, it is highly advised to swap your containers for BPA-free ones. Added to that, eating fresh food is naturally the best and healthiest option to lower your exposure to Bisphenol A.