Understanding BPA: What is it and why choose BPA Free plastic?

Ever wondered about BPA or BPA Free plastics? These labels often seen on plastic containers, water bottles, pacifiers, baby bottles, and more. Are these plastics safe or harmful to health? Let's delve deeper into this article.

Exploring Bisphenol A (BPA): a commonly found compound in commercial products, used in food containers and personal care items. Scientists have noted that mixing BPA with other components can enhance the flexibility and durability of products. Hence, plastics containing BPA are also used to manufacture baby bottles, toys, and pacifiers.

So, what exactly is BPA Free plastic? Simply put, BPA Free plastic is a type of plastic that does not contain the compound BPA. Products labeled as 'BPA Free' are often recommended for use by pregnant individuals, young children, and more. Therefore, if you're wondering whether BPA Free plastic is safe, you can rest assured, just make sure to choose products certified by regulatory agencies!

After understanding what BPA is, many may wonder whether BPA (Bisphenol A) plastic is good or not. Typically, BPA plastic enters the human body through daily dietary intake. Specifically, BPA easily dissolves into beverages and food, especially under high temperatures. Therefore, Bisphenol A contaminates the body when humans use food containers, water bottles, or milk bottles containing BPA.

Furthermore, using strong cleaning agents or storing acidic substances like lemon/vinegar (which are acidic) in plastic containers also makes BPA easily infiltrate the body. Additionally, Bisphenol A can leach 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, and more.

BPA in these utensils can contaminate 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 female reproductive system

For females exposed to BPA, the effects may include:

         + Increases the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cysts.

         + Pregnant women often exhibit preterm labor signs if their bodies contain higher-than-normal levels of BPA.

- Causes infertility in males

The reproductive function of males is also affected if the body contains higher-than-normal levels of BPA:

         + Reduces sperm production capability and Testosterone hormone concentration in the body.

         + Increases the risk of prostate cancer.

- Affects the health of young children

Bisphenol A can infiltrate the bodies of young children through BPA-containing plastic baby bottles, leading to adverse health effects such as:

         + Lighter weight compared to normal children.

         + Increases the risk of congenital abnormalities, notably a shorter distance from the genitals to the anus than normal.

         + More prone to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and irritability than normal.

         + Damages the enamel of young children's teeth, which if prolonged can weaken or decay the teeth.

         + May experience disorders such as Down syndrome if the mother has higher-than-normal levels of BPA during pregnancy.

BPA plastic damages children's tooth enamel from a young age.

After understanding what BPA is and the consequences it causes, you need to know how to reduce the impact of Bisphenol A in daily life. Specifically, you need to minimize exposure to BPA plastic by:

When purchasing plastic containers, observe the symbols below the bottom or printed on the product body. Choose plastic containers marked with 1, 2, and 5 symbols instead of 3, 6, 7.

Exposing BPA plastic containers to high temperatures such as microwaving or storing hot food will break down the plastic structure, releasing Bisphenol A into the body. Therefore, opt for ceramic, porcelain, glass, stainless steel containers,... when using to store hot food. Additionally, you can use PP plastic containers when using them in the microwave to ensure health safety.

When needing to purchase plastic products, opt for reputable brands that are fully certified with ISO 9001 and HACCP standards.

You should choose to store food in glass containers instead of BPA plastic containers to protect your health.

How to differentiate between BPA and BPA Free products

Polycarbonate plastic products containing BPA are typically harder and clearer than usual. On the other hand, products made from polypropylene (BPA Free) should be softer and more opaque than polycarbonate plastic.

Moreover, the symbols for BPA and BPA Free products will differ as shown below:

Hopefully through this article, you have clarified what BPA and BPA Free plastics are. At the same time, you understand the characteristics of each compound, as well as how to minimize the health impact of BPA plastics. To mitigate risks, it's best for everyone to choose plastic products from reputable brands with clear origins and quality. Especially for children and pregnant women, prioritize items labeled as 'BPA Free' to ensure health safety.