Bellisima Goddess

As part of my discussion of BPA this week and the risks it poses to human beings as well as to our environment, it is important that we take a look at what we can do to protect ourselves and minimize our exposure to this very real chemical threat.

Even though bisphenol A (BPA) first made news as a dangerous chemical in our water bottles, our main exposure actually comes from the linings of canned foods. Most canned foods have BPA in the liner of the can–Eden Foods is the only company I’ve found so far which uses an alternative, custom-made BPA-free liner–their cans cost 14 percent more than the industry standard cans that do contain BPA. Among all the other plastic substances that get into our food, BPA stands out because of its ability to disrupt the functions of hormones–especially estrogen. When BPA is in the liners of the canned foods, it leaches into the food itself. The BPA is then ingested by us and goes into our bloodstream. (As a result of our exposure to BPA, the CDC knows that more than 90% of us have detectable levels of bisphenol A in our bodies.) Canned beverages appear to contain less BPA residues, while canned soup, pastas and infant formula contain the highest levels. Acidic canned goods, such as tomatoes and tuna, also contain higher levels of BPA residue.

1. The first step therefore that you can take is to reduce your consumption of canned goods. Instead, eat more frozen or fresh food. In addition to avoiding BPA, you’ll also get more nutrients and less sodium–both steps toward a healthier diet.

2. When you do consume canned foods, rinse the fruit or vegetables with water prior to heating and serving–this could lessen BPA ingestion. Sensitive groups such as kids and pregnant women should limit canned food consumption.

3. Breastfeed your baby or use powdered formula instead of cans. If your baby needs liquid formula, look for types sold in plastic or glass containers. Also, find baby bottles in glass versions or those made from safer plastics such as polyamine, polypropylene and polyethylene. Soft or cloudy-colored plastic does not contain BPA. Additionally, choose bottles for pumping and storing expressed breast milk which are labeled BPA-free.

4. Avoid bottles and plastic containers that are made from polycarbonate (usually marked with a number 7 or the letters PC) and if you want to reduce exposure to phthalates**, avoid polyvinyl chloride (marked with a number 3 or PVC). Even though leaching from plastic baby bottles and food containers seems to occur at much lower levels, it is still best to take extra precautions.

5. If you use a metal water bottle, be sure to choose one that does not have a plastic liner. Many metal water bottles are lined with a plastic coating that contains BPA.

6. Even though the levels of BPA that leach from hard plastics is generally low, avoid using plastic containers to heat food in your microwave. Ceramic, glass or microwaveable dishware are better alternatives.

7. Finally, throw out old and scratched plastic bottles.

**According to EWG, “Phthalates (pronounced “THAL-ates”) are a group of chemical “plasticizers” that are used in a huge variety of consumer products, from PVC pipes to perfume. With billions of pounds produced annually, phthalates are everywhere. They’re even in the indoor dust we breathe. Random sampling by the CDC shows most people in the U.S. have detectable levels of phthalates in their bodies. Phthalates have been banned in the European Union since 2005. Nine other countries, including Japan, Mexico and Argentina, have also outlawed the chemicals.” Look for more information on this group of chemicals next week.