Reducing Your Exposure to BPA
Avoid reusable polycarbonate plastic water and baby bottles. As a general rule, avoid water bottles and baby bottles labeled #7, which tend to be hard and clear. Many reusable water bottles are made of polycarbonate plastic, including many of the popular colorful plastic water bottles, that leaches bisphenol A into the water. Choose polyethylene or aluminum bottles instead. Use glass baby bottles instead of plastic. If you prefer plastic baby bottles, choose milky or opaque colored baby bottles. Discard old or damaged bottles.
Avoid polycarbonate plastic food containers and table ware. These may be labeled ‘PC’ underneath a plastic code #7 in the recycling triangle on the bottom of the container. (The #7 means ‘other’, so you need to see the ‘PC’ to confirm that the plastic is polycarbonate).
Minimize the use of canned foods and canned drinks. Until industry reformulates the lacquer lining of metal cans (as is being done in Japan), choose fresh or frozen foods or glass containers or bottles. A recent study by Environmental Working Group found bisphenol A in more than half of 97 cans of brand name fruit, vegetables, soda, and other common canned goods.86
Ask your dentist for BPA-free sealants and composite fillings. Some dental resins are free from or low in BPA. Ask your dentist if they know about BPA and request the MSDS sheet (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the sealants or composite fillings to look for BADGE in the list of ingredients. Make sure your family brushes and flosses regularly to prevent the need for dental work.
