BPA - Page 12 | MNN - Mother Nature Network

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)

campbell-chicken-noodle-soup-cans

campbell-chicken-noodle-soup-cans

BPA: Is plastic poisoning our food?

December 9, 2009, 8 a.m. by Russell McLendon

It's almost inescapable, and while the FDA says bisphenol-A is safe at normal levels, a growing body of research suggests otherwise.

232 toxic chemicals found in 10 newborns

December 2, 2009, 1:15 p.m. by Siel Ju

A new study reveals BPA in nine of 10 randomly selected umbilical cord blood samples.

Linking BPA and breast cancer

December 1, 2009, 5:24 p.m. by EB Solomont

Only so many cases of breast cancer are caused by genetic mutations. Could environmental factors, such as the chemicals found in some plastics, be to blame for the rest?

vegetables in the microwave

vegetables in the microwave

Microwaves and plastics shouldn't mix

November 24, 2009, 2:30 p.m. by Plenty Magazine

Whether it's marked 'microwave-safe' or not, it's not a good idea.

Green gifts: Bottle with a cause

November 15, 2009, 11:37 a.m. by Plenty Magazine

Eliminate the wastefulness that comes with drinking bottled water by switching to one of these drinking bottles.

Hard plastic, soft men

November 13, 2009, 3:18 p.m. by Siel Ju

High levels of the plastic hardener BPA can create sexual problems for men, finds a new study.

BPA exposure causes sexual dysfunction in men

November 11, 2009, 4:36 p.m. by S.A. Rogers

Study of factory workers in China is extreme example of exposure, researchers warn, but it is the first to look specifically at the effect of BPA on humans.

Precautionary List helps guide green building pros

November 11, 2009, 8 a.m. by Melissa Hincha-Ownby

Award-winning architectural design firm Perkins+Will has created a Precautionary List to help guide green builders and green building designers.

0408_tupperware_main

0408_tupperware_main

Best food storage & reheating containers

November 8, 2009, 1:59 p.m. by Plenty Magazine

Budget-conscious Americans are cooking at home more which means more leftovers.

BPA found in wide range of canned goods

November 3, 2009, 11:29 p.m.

Video: A study conducted by <i>Consumer Reports</i> found BPA in almost all 19 name brand foods tested -- from juice to chicken soup and tuna fish.

SIGG faces class action backlash

October 16, 2009, 12:44 p.m. by Jenn Savedge

Reusable water bottle maker faces lawsuit as backlash from BPA disclosure.

Make a BPA-free pumpkin pie

October 13, 2009, 5:35 a.m. by Plenty Magazine

What's better than making pumpkin pie with your family? No, not getting a store-bought pie and eating it in front of the TV. Making BPA-free pumpkin pie!

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