What exactly is BPA?

What exactly is BPA? And what are the concerns?

Answer from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in polycarbonate plastic food and beverage containers and in resin linings for cans. Research has shown that BPA can leach into food from these containers and cans. Because BPA appears to cause health problems in animal studies, some scientists are concerned about the risk BPA poses to humans.

Originally the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said BPA was safe. Since then, however, the FDA has acknowledged concerns about the potential effects of BPA on the brain and the prostate gland in fetuses, infants and young children. The FDA is conducting additional research. In the meantime, if you're concerned about potential risk, you can take simple steps to reduce your and your family's exposure to BPA:

• Choose glass or BPA-free plastic baby bottles.
• Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids.
• Avoid plastic containers with the No. 7 recycling label — they're made with BPA.
• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Instead, use glass containers designed for microwaving.
• Reduce your use of canned foods — many cans are lined with a BPA-containing resin.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bpa/AN01955