BPA is an organic compound and it's true name is Bisphenol A. It's a chemical used to make some hard, clear, plastic products such as reusable bottles, and is in the resin that lines food and beverage cans along with many other things. I found an article in the magazine Vegetarians Time, which I love because not only do they have great vegetarian recipes, but they also have really interesting articles like.....plastic and BPA exposure. Manufacturers love to use BPA because it is tough, heat resistant, and can be produced in enormous quantities- more then 7 billion pounds annually. The article referenced a study published in Human Reproduction which found male workers in factories who were producing BPA products (@ a high exposure), had a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction, loss of sex drive and other sexual problems. Whoa, that isn't good. While of course sexual dysfunction is not life threatening, researchers looked at it as a hormonal problems, perhaps something that could even lead to cancer. This is also just one study, one set of conclusions, and I am sure there are many more out there, but I don't have the results for you, other then the one. What a great researcher!
Things that are recommended for the use of plastic (or canned) products- If you reheat food in the microwave, use a glass container. Try to buy frozen over canned because even if your exposure to BPA is a very miniscule amount, it could be often enough depending on one's eating habits. When buying plastic products, of course look to see if it is BPA free, which a lot of products available today are. Check recycling labels on plastic (usually inside of the triangle on the bottom or side of the product). Products with 3 or 7 'may' contain BPA, unless specifically indicates that it is BPA free.
The trickiest part is they do not know exactly what levels of BPA are harmful. One water bottle is not going to do anything, but it being aware of the products and their ingredients. The more you know.....
Thanks again!
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