Bisphenol A

 I'm not really an extremist and haven't been overly concerned about BPA. In fact, I didn't know much about it but when I read that cash                    register receipts had BPA in them, I was a little freaked. So, like everyone with an enquiring mind, I did some research. I'll give you the basics, list some sources for information, and, finally, leave you with my conclusions.

Basic Information
** 93% of people test positive for BPA in their bodies.

** Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is a hard, clear plastic and may have the recycling code 3 or 7.

 ** Most exposure is through the diet. BPA is found in water bottles, compact discs, impact-resistant safety equipment, and thermal paper cash register receipts. Epoxy resins are used to coat metal food cans.

** "The NTP- National Toxicology Program - has some concern for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to bisphenol A."
 

• Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers.
• Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
• Reduce your use of canned foods.
• When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
• Wash your hands after handling cash register receipts. Transfer of BPA occurs from hand to mouth.

My conclusions:
I am not going to freak out about BPA but I will avoid it as much as possible by following the suggestions above. I will watch for further research.

For me, the best practice: Just like always, whole food is best. Avoid artificial flavorings, colorings, sweeteners. That said, I'm still not ready to give up Coke Zero.

Resources - click to view
Cancer Institute - difficulties proving cancer risks  difficulties using animal studies data in regard to humans
National Intitute of Health report
Mayo Clinic - What are the concerns with BPA?
JAMA -Association with BPA and Obesity while controlling for other factors
Environmental health sciences anything else you're worried about: cell phone radiation, air pollution, mold