Women with the highest BPA levels were found to be 80 percent more likely to have a first trimester miscarriage than those in the group with the lowest BPA levels. BPA exposure increases the risk of both genetically normal and genetically abnormal miscarriages, which suggests that BPA may work in multiple ways to increase miscarriage risk.

WHAT IS BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is the primary component in polycarbonate plastic and is used in the resin lining of most food and beverage cans. It is an industrial chemical that mimics estrogen.

HEALTH EFEFCTS OF BPA

BPA is similar in structure to the hormone estrogen, so there is a thought that it may bind to estrogen receptors in the body and disrupt hormone signaling.

· Pre-cancerous changes in the mammary and prostate glands;

· Altered brain development causing behavioral abnormalities and earlier onset of puberty;

· Reproductive abnormalities such as lower sperm counts, hormonal changes, enlarged prostate glands, and abnormalities in the number of chromosomes in eggs;

· Obesity and with insulin resistance, a condition that commonly precedes the development of diabetes.

But here is the kicker, The federal Food and Drug Administration says BPA is safe.

SOURCES OF BPA

BPA is used in the resin lining of all food and beverage cans.

It is the principal building block of polycarbonate plastic and is used in a wide range of products, including clear plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, clear plastic water bottles, and other kitchen plastics such as measuring cups, drinkware and storage containers.

BPA is also found in some dental sealants and fillings, medical devices, paints, epoxy adhesives and cash register receipts.

Most people have BPA in their urine, which suggests that the chemical leaches out of the packaging of foods or drinks and into the body.

KEY TAKEAWAY

• The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet.
• Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.
• Avoid all sources of BPA – not just for pregnancy but for overall good health. Don’t use polycarbonate plastics (marked with a #7 PC) for storing food or beverages, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or the food or drink is for an infant or young child.
• Avoid canned food. Choose frozen vegetables and soups and broth that come in glass jars or in aseptic "brick" cartons, as these containers are BPA-free.
• Avoid any plastic that is NOT labeled BPA-free
• Ask your dentist to provide BPA-free treatments.
• avoid cooking or warming food in plastic because heat helps the chemical leak out.
• Don’t leave water bottles in the sun

Where can I go for more information?

For more information on what other federal agencies are doing related to BPA, visit the following websites and search for “bisphenol A.”

· BPA-Related Journal Articles and Stories

· Consumer Product Safety Commission

· U.S. Food and Drug Administration

· U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Source: NRDC, News, NIH, FDA, others