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MNN.COM > Eco-Glossary

BPA

 
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous compound in plastic and is a key building block of the material. It is routinely used to line cans, to prevent corrosion and contamination. More than 2.3 billion pounds of it are manufactured in the U.S. annually.
 
The dangers of BPA are controversial; studies have shown that exposure to it promotes breast cancer cell growth (and other ill effects), but its use prevails because it is cheap, lightweight, durable and offers other hard-to-match features, and its adverse effects in humans are not yet proven. It has been found in more than 90 percent of human urine samples; we face low-level but very regular exposure to it, and those considered to be at highest risk are babies.
 
BPA leaches out of plastic 55 times faster when exposed to heat, so if used, it should never be microwaved, used to store hot liquids or foods, or washed in hot water (by hand or in dishwashers). (Source: Scientific American, Photo: Flickr)

Recent Stories


Get scared into eating green

Tue, Mar 16 2010 at 5:05 PM EST

Does fear motivate you? Then read these frightening reasons to push yourself to eat better -- for your health and for the environment.


Cook simply without BPA-tainted cans

Mon, Mar 15 2010 at 10:40 AM EST

Think cooking sans canned foods will be laborious and time-consuming? Try these tips to simplify can-free living.


Mercury among the big losers at the Toxies

Sun, Mar 07 2010 at 7:45 AM EST

Now that this year's Oscars are finito, take a minute to acknowledge the honorees at another big Hollywood event: The Toxie Awards.


U.S. examining possible effects of BPA

Thu, Feb 25 2010 at 6:15 PM EST

Bisphenol A, to which humans are exposed by diet, air, water and dust, is believed by many experts to cause health problems, while other scientists insist that current BPA levels will not likely pose a risk.


BPA-free: Easier said than done

Wed, Feb 24 2010 at 1:00 PM EST

Manufacturers are learning that it's not so easy to get this ubiquitous chemical out of their products.


California moves to list BPA as reproductive toxin

Mon, Feb 15 2010 at 3:27 PM EST

California takes a step towards officially listing BPA as a reproductive toxicant.


Plastic in the microwave: Is BPA in your frozen dinner?

Mon, Feb 08 2010 at 4:14 PM EST

Concerns about BPA and phthalates have more people worried about heating plastics in the microwave.


BPA for mom could mean asthma for kids

Fri, Feb 05 2010 at 1:00 PM EST

New study finds mom's exposure to bisphenol A may increase a child's chance of having asthma.


FDA reverses decision on BPA

Mon, Jan 18 2010 at 3:00 PM EST

In a major shift, the FDA announces that it has “some concern” about the effects of BPA on children’s health.


FDA 'concerned' about BPA in baby products

Mon, Jan 18 2010 at 1:56 PM EST

The FDA now recommends decreasing exposure to BPA, but will still rely on voluntary measures to limit use of the chemical.


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