Buzz
Ever wondered about the meaning of BPA or BPA Free, often marked on plastic containers, water bottles, pacifiers, baby bottles, etc.? Are these plastics safe or harmful to health? Let's delve deeper into this topic in the following article.
1. BPA and BPA-Free Plastic: An Overview
What exactly is BPA? Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a compound often found in the ingredient list of commercial products used for storing food or personal hygiene. Additionally, scientists have noted that blending BPA with other components can enhance the flexibility and sturdiness of the product. Hence, plastics containing BPA are also utilized in the production of baby bottles, toys, and pacifiers for children.
Understanding BPA-Free Plastic: What Does it Mean? BPA-Free plastic is simply plastic that does not contain the compound BPA. Products labeled as 'BPA-Free' are often recommended for use by pregnant individuals, young children, etc. So, if you're wondering whether BPA-Free plastic is safe, rest assured and feel free to use it; just choose products certified by the relevant authorities!
2. Is BPA-Free Plastic Good?
After grasping the concept of what BPA is, many may wonder whether BPA (Bisphenol A) plastic is good. Typically, BPA plastic enters the human body through daily dietary intake. Specifically, BPA readily dissolves into beverages and food, especially under high-temperature conditions. Therefore, Bisphenol A can seep into the body when people use containers for food, water bottles, or milk bottles containing BPA.
Furthermore, using strong cleaning agents for sanitation or storing acidic substances like lemon/vinegar in plastic containers also makes it easy for BPA to enter the body. Additionally, Bisphenol A can permeate through the skin or air when individuals come into direct contact with items containing high levels of BPA, such as thermal paper, receipts, airplane tickets, etc.
BPA in these utensils can leach into food, especially when heated or scrubbed with soap containing strong detergents.
So, what are the harmful effects of BPA plastic? After infiltrating the human body, BPA can lead to serious health consequences, including:
- Impact on Women's Reproductive Health
For women affected by BPA entering the body, there will be:
+ Increases the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cysts.
+ Pregnant women often exhibit preterm labor signs if their bodies have higher than normal levels of BPA.
- Causes Infertility in Men
The reproductive function of men is also affected when the body contains higher than normal levels of BPA:
+ Reduces sperm production and Testosterone levels in the body.
+ Increases the risk of prostate cancer.
- Impact on the Health of Infants
Bisphenol A can infiltrate the bodies of infants through plastic BPA-containing baby bottles, leading to negative health impacts such as:
+ Lower body weight than normal children.
+ Increased risk of congenital defects, typically with a shorter distance from the reproductive organs to the anus than usual.
+ More prone to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and irritability than normal children.
+ Damages the enamel of young children's teeth; if prolonged, it can weaken or cause cavities in the teeth.
+ May experience disorders like Down syndrome if mothers have higher than normal levels of BPA during pregnancy.
BPA plastic damages the enamel of a child's teeth from an early age.
3. How to Minimize the Impact of BPA?
After understanding what BPA is and the consequences it can cause, it's crucial to know how to reduce the impact of Bisphenol A in daily life. Specifically, you need to minimize exposure to BPA plastic by:
3.1. Limit the Use of Plastics Containing BPA
When purchasing plastic containers, observe the symbols at the bottom or printed on the product body. Choose plastic containers marked with 1, 2, and 5 instead of 3, 6, 7.
3.2. Avoid Putting Hot Food in Plastic Containers
Exposing BPA plastic containers to high temperatures, such as microwaving or storing hot food, can break down the plastic structure, releasing Bisphenol A into the body. Therefore, opt for containers made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, stainless steel, etc., for storing hot food. Additionally, you can use PP plastic containers for microwaving to ensure health safety.
When purchasing plastic products, opt for reputable brands that have full certification standards for ISO 9001 and HACCP.
Choose glass containers for storing food instead of BPA plastic containers to safeguard your health.
How to Differentiate Between BPA and BPA-Free Products
Polycarbonate plastic products containing BPA are usually harder and more transparent than normal. On the other hand, products made from polypropylene (BPA-Free) plastic will be softer and more opaque than polycarbonate plastic.
Furthermore, the symbols for BPA and BPA-Free products will differ as shown in the illustration:
Hopefully, through this article, you've clarified the questions about what BPA and BPA-Free plastics are. Additionally, you've gained an understanding of the characteristics of each compound and how to minimize the health impact of BPA. To reduce risks, it's advisable for everyone to choose plastic products from reputable brands with clear origins and high quality. Particularly for children and pregnant women, prioritize items labeled 'BPA Free' for health safety.
