Are Your Plastic Containers Killing You? Here’s What No One Is Telling You

Plastic water bottles and canned goods containing the chemical Bisphenol A, (BPA) is being called “safe” by the FDA. But is this actually true?

Manufacturers scrambled to develop BPA-free products to assuage a terrified public after the compound was demonized for for playing a role in Christina Applegate and Sheryl Crowe’s breast cancer diagnosis several years ago.

However, with the FDA’s findings, is it safe to consume BPA packaged products? The answer is: Maybe.

1. Which products may contain BPA 

BPA is in products like bottles, cans, eyeglass lenses, soda cans, CDs, and more, the NRDC reports. The compound helps create polycarbonate (no. 7) plastic and some paper receipts are made from the chemical.

In fact, general exposure to BPA is probably widespread among the public, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

2. BPA exposure may be safe 

The FDA says BPA is “safe” after a two-year study. Scientists conclude the chemical has “minimal effects” on health, even at high levels, NPR reports.

“The FDA has routinely considered and evaluated the scientific evidence surrounding the use of BPA and continues to conclude that BPA is safe for the currently authorized uses in food containers and packaging,” Dr. Stephen Ostroff, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine said in an FDA release. 

3. Previous studies connect BPA with harming health 

A bevy of studies cited by the Environmental Defense Fund point to BPA as being a public health threat. Reports include negative impacts on metabolic health, cardiovascular effects, and developmental neurotoxicity. 

4. BPA mimics the hormone estrogen 

Because it produces a weak version of synthetic estrogen, BPA may disrupt hormones. This can impact how estrogen and other hormones interact, creating a hormonal imbalance, according to Breast Cancer.org. 

5. BPA could still influence breast cancer risk 

Women may consider limiting exposure to BPA because estrogen can encourage the development of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. 

6. Some scientists believe the report was released prematurely 

Despite the FDA’s assertion that BPA is safe, other scientists think the organization jumped the gun. “It is premature to draw conclusions based on the release of one component of a two-part report,” Laura Vandenberg, a spokesperson for the Endocrine Society, says in a statement. The group said the study did not address brain impacts or “provide assurance of BPA’s safety” either. 

7. Not sure what to do? 

You can easily avoid BPA as many companies don’t include the chemical in their products, NPR reports. The Can Manufacturers Institute reportedly no longer lines metal cans with BPA. Plus, plastic packaging manufacturers provide a variety of BPA-free containers as well.

Additionally, avoid paper receipts, buy food in glass jars, use stainless steel bottles, and wash hands frequently.