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BPA is one of those symbols you often encounter on household items. But do you really understand what BPA is? How does it affect human health? Let's delve into the information below to grasp more about this type of plastic!
What is BPA?
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a common industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resin plastics. It's commonly found in household plastics, water bottles, canned goods, food packaging, medical equipment, children's toys, pacifiers, baby bottles, and more.
Apart from the term BPA, you'll often come across 'BPA free' when using household items. So, what exactly is BPA free plastic? BPA free refers to products that don't contain Bisphenol A (BPA) – a chemical compound used in plastic production. BPA free products are designed to reduce exposure to this substance, making plastic products safer for human health.
You should explore what BPA is to gain more insights into this type of plastic.
Identifying BPA-containing Products
To identify whether plastic products contain BPA or not, you can check the product label or code on the surface. If the product isn't labeled, you can consider some distinguishing methods below:
- Check the product label: Many manufacturers now mark 'BPA-free' on product labels to indicate products that do not contain BPA.
- Look for plastic codes 3, 7: These products may contain highly dangerous BPA.
- Transparent plastic products: Clear plastic products, especially light gray ones, may contain BPA.
- Hard plastic products: Hard plastic products like water bottles or canned goods may contain BPA.
- Recycled plastic products: Recycled plastic is often sourced from old plastic products, so the likelihood of containing BPA is high.
You should opt for BPA-free plastic products.
The Effects of BPA on Human Health
BPA is a chemical widely used in the production of plastic products and food preservatives. However, numerous studies have shown that BPA can be harmful to human health, especially with prolonged exposure. The health effects of BPA on humans include:
Impact on Endocrine System
BPA can adversely affect the human endocrine system, causing endocrine disorders. Moreover, they affect the development of reproductive cells, leading to infertility, pre-diabetic disorders, and influencing hormone production.
Disrupting Digestive Functions
BPA can increase the risk of colitis, digestive disorders, and impair liver function.
Impact on Nervous System
Research indicates that BPA can affect the nervous system, causing behavioral disorders and impacting brain development.
The impact of BPA on human health is significant
Impact on Immune System
BPA can also affect the human immune system, causing immune-related issues such as inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Harmful to Brain Cells and Infants
Some studies have indicated that BPA can harm brain cells and affect the development of infants.
Potential Cancer Risk
Many studies have indicated a correlation between BPA and cancer, especially breast cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer.
How to Limit Exposure to BPA?
In daily life, it's not difficult to come across plastic items. However, to limit exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), you can take the following measures:
- Use BPA-free products: Avoid using plastic products containing BPA such as water bottles, thermos flasks, food containers, and other products. Underneath the bottom of the bottle, the plastic composition will be clearly stated, so you need to carefully review the information.
- Use glass or stainless steel products: Glass and stainless steel are safer materials compared to plastic. You can use glass bottles or stainless steel thermos flasks as alternatives to common plastic products.
- Avoid using plastic in microwaves: High temperatures can cause BPA to leach from plastic products into food, so you should avoid using plastic products in microwaves.
- Avoid using old, scratched plastic products: When plastic products are scratched or old, BPA can easily seep into food.
- Use wooden or silicone handles and utensils: You can use wooden or silicone handles and utensils as substitutes for plastic products.
- Implement general health protection measures: To minimize the impact of BPA, you need to implement general health protection measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting exposure to other harmful substances, and boosting immunity.
You should limit exposure to BPA free for the best health protection
Readers, learn what BPA is? The effects of BPA on human health to avoid exposure to BPA, reduce the risk of health issues. Using BPA-free products will be a safer choice. Be a smart consumer!
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