Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol is a chemical substance used in the manufacture of plastics and resins with widespread use: it is found in receipts, food and beverage cans, food packaging, DVDs and CDs, medical equipment, toys and automotive parts, water bottles and some dental resins. This suggests that consumer exposure to this substance can reach dangerous guard levels.

In fact bisphenol can pass from the plastic coating of food containers to the same foods with which it comes into contact. This process is increased when the plastic containers are washed with acid detergents or in case of exposure to high temperatures. For this reason it is recommended by the toxicology institutes to avoid washing plastic containers in the dishwasher or using aggressive detergents, or use them in the microwave oven.

The effects of this substance on human health are still debated.

Recently (16 June 2017) the European Chemicals Agency (Echa) has officially declared bisphenol A (Bpa) an endocrine disruptor that poses serious health risks.

Bisphenol A has been related to the development of diseases affecting the reproductive systems, prostate and breast. Fortunately the human body is able to eliminate the substance quickly and therefore does not undergo accumulation.

The molecule is able to mimic estrogen hormones affecting the metabolism of different systems and systems of the human body. BPA has been found in amniotic fluid in full-term fetuses. The exposure of the fetus to the substance seems to cause some neurological disorders (depression, anxiety and hyperactivity syndromes) and an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer in the later stages of life.

An invitation therefore to pay more attention to food consumed in order to reduce the level of this substance in our body, remembering that BPA is absorbed into the body mainly through food and drink, but also through the skin and through the air with the breath.

The advice to reduce the entry of BPA into our body can be the following:

reduce canned or packaged food in plastic containers
rinse the food in water before consumption
do not put food in plastic containers or cans in the microwave oven.
avoid food and beverage in plastic if possible.
choose containers for water and baby bottles without BPA.
An additional precaution is recommended for the workers who work at the counters as the substance is richly present on the receipts and the moment of greatest release of the toxic component occurs when it is detached from the printer and is still warm.