Pregnant woman, babies and infants
Schwarz believes there is some legitimacy surrounding BPA concerns when it comes to pregnant women, babies and infants because of their small body weight. "If there is some sort of hormonal effect, that's when it's going to happen, during the most significant developmental stage. But for adults, I don't see any evidence that causes this concern."
As for lining canned foods, Schwarz says BPA resins are ideal. "When push comes to shove, manufacturers can come up with alternatives, and they will, not because they believe they need to do it because of safety but because that's what the marketplace demands."
How to reduce your BPA exposure
While the debate continues and health organizations continue to test and review evidence, consumers will have to make their own decisions on whether they'll continue to use BPA items or not.
If you want to reduce your exposure:
-Check your plastic containers for the recycling symbol with a # 7 on it. That indicates it's a BPA product. Be aware, though, that although all BPA products should have a #7, not all #7 products are BPA.
-Use glass, plasticized glass, stainless steel or non-BPA plastic baby bottles.
-Switch to stainless steel, lined aluminum or non-BPA plastic water bottles and storage containers.
-Avoid placing plastic in the microwave or in the dishwasher.
-Limit consumption of canned foods; buy fresh or dried instead.
-Use wax paper to wrap foods, rather than plastic.
The final call is yours to make
"The main pathways for BPA are food and beverage containers. Consumers should not have to do the constant calculus when they walk up and down the store aisles," says Freeman. "But until the government takes action, avoid them. There are safe alternatives."
"BPA is the toxin du jour," says Schwarz. "Nobody knows what are the long-term consequences of thousands of chemicals that we are exposed to because it cannot be known. What we do know is that the average life expectancy gets longer every year. So we can't be doing everything wrong."
What's your take on BPA? Will you stop using these plastics in your household? Click the microphone icon on this page to share your thoughts.
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