BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1950s.
BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. They may also be used in other consumer goods.
Epoxy resins are used to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines. Some dental sealants and composites also may contain BPA.
Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children's behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods. This assessment is based on the review of hundreds of studies. The FDA continues to monitor the research.
If you're concerned about BPA, you can take steps to reduce your exposure:
- Use BPA-free products. Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. Look for products labeled as BPA-free. If a product isn't labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle code 3 or 7 may contain BPA.
- Avoid heat. Don't put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, because the heat may break them down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
- Focus on fresh whole foods. When you can, choose fresh whole fruits and vegetables.
- Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless-steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.
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March 24, 2023
- Bisphenol A (BPA). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/index.cfm. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
- Questions and answers on bisphenol A (BPA) use in food contact applications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-answers-bisphenol-bpa-use-food-contact-applications. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
- Hall JM, et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
- Goldman RH, et al. Occupational and environmental risks to reproduction in females: Specific exposures and impact. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 3, 2021.
- Trasande L, et al. Food additives and child health. Pediatrics. 2018; doi:10.1542/peds.2018-1408.
- Patisaul HB. Achieving CLARITY on bisphenol A, brain and behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 2020; doi:10.1111/jne.12730.
- Bao W, et al. Association between bisphenol A exposure and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults. JAMA Network Open. 2020; doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11620.
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FAQs
BPA can be eliminated by supporting liver detoxification and cultivating a healthy microbiome with organic foods, antioxidants, and specific supplements. Research shows that BPA is excreted in sweat—exercise, sauna therapy, and adequate water intake support this pathway.
How to eliminate BPA from body? ›
BPA can be eliminated by supporting liver detoxification and cultivating a healthy microbiome with organic foods, antioxidants, and specific supplements. Research shows that BPA is excreted in sweat—exercise, sauna therapy, and adequate water intake support this pathway.
Can you reverse BPA exposure? ›
The timing of BPA and CoQ10 exposures were designed to approximate those in humans, and BPA levels detected inside the worms were proportional to the amounts found in the general human population. The researchers found that CoQ10 improved or reversed multiple types of damage caused by BPA.
What neutralizes BPA? ›
Indeed, the important role of enzymatic antioxidants, e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), or glutathione (GSH) system, in overcoming the harmful effects of BPA has been highlighted in many studies.
How individuals can reduce their exposure to bisphenol in everyday life? ›
Here's what you can do to limit or avoid exposure to BPA: Substitute fresh, frozen or dried food for canned. Limit how many packaged foods you eat. For those who cannot avoid foods in BPA-lined cans, rinsing the food in water may help lower the level of BPA in the food.
How do you detox your body from plastic? ›
6 Ways to How To Detox Plastic From Your Body?
- Add Organic and Fresh Foods To Your Diet Plan.
- Engage in Physical Activities to Stimulate Sweating.
- Add Breathing Exercises In Your Training Routine.
- Increase Your Fiber Intake.
- Consume Detoxification Supplements.
- Minimize Your Plastic Consumption.
Researchers have linked BPA to developmental and health problems in children, including learning and behavior conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression; early puberty in girls; diabetes; obesity; and heart disease.
How quickly does BPA leave the body? ›
Although BPA is fat-soluble and thus can accumulate in fatty tissues, animal and human data suggest it tends to be rapidly metabolized, with elimination thought to be virtually complete within 24 hours of acute exposure.
What dissolves BPA? ›
BPA has a fairly high melting point but can be easily dissolved in a broad range of organic solvents including toluene, ethanol and ethyl acetate. It may be purified by recrystallisation from acetic acid with water.
Does sweating remove BPA? ›
Chemical elimination
According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to BPA may have possible health effects on the brain and behavior along with a possible link to increased blood pressure. According to a 2011 study , sweat is an effective removal route for BPAs as well as a tool for BPA bio-monitoring.
Solid carbon block fiber filters, such as those offered by Epic Water Filters, have proven to be highly effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, including BPA, from drinking water.
Can you wash BPA off your hands? ›
This also means that you should not wash your hands (before or after using the BPA-coated receipts) with alcohol-based sanitizers. Instead, use plenty of running water and soap. Handling the receipts with wet handles can also increase the risks.
How do you detox from BPA? ›
A recent study found that avoiding packaged food for 3 days resulted in a 66% drop in BPA levels detected in the urine. While another study found that people who ate one serving of canned soup for five days had BPA levels 12 times higher than those who had eaten fresh homemade soup.
What reverses the effects of BPA? ›
A study shows that administering coenzyme Q10 reverses damage done to germinative cells by BPA, a contaminant found in many kinds of plastic.
How are you exposed to BPA daily? ›
General exposure to BPA at low levels comes from eating food or drinking water stored in containers that have BPA. Small children may be exposed by hand-to-mouth and direct oral (mouth) contact with materials containing BPA. Dental treatment with BPA-containing sealants also results in short-term exposure.
How long does it take for BPA to leave the body? ›
Although BPA is fat-soluble and thus can accumulate in fatty tissues, animal and human data suggest it tends to be rapidly metabolized, with elimination thought to be virtually complete within 24 hours of acute exposure.
Can BPA be removed? ›
By using solid carbon fiber block filters like those provided by Epic Water Filters, you can effectively remove BPA and other harmful contaminants from your drinking water.
Can BPA be filtered out? ›
Together, hydrogen peroxide and the TAML activators cause BPA to clump together into larger molecules called oligomers. These oligomers are harmless and can easily be filtered out of the water.
