Tips to reduce BPA exposure (2024)

What is BPA, and what are the concerns about BPA?

Answer From Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1950s.

BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. They may also be used in other consumer goods.

Epoxy resins are used to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines. Some dental sealants and composites also may contain BPA.

Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children's behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods. This assessment is based on the review of hundreds of studies. The FDA continues to monitor the research.

If you're concerned about BPA, you can take steps to reduce your exposure:

  • Use BPA-free products. Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. Look for products labeled as BPA-free. If a product isn't labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle code 3 or 7 may contain BPA.
  • Avoid heat. Don't put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, because the heat may break them down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
  • Focus on fresh whole foods. When you can, choose fresh whole fruits and vegetables.
  • Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless-steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.

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March 24, 2023

  1. Bisphenol A (BPA). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/index.cfm. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
  2. Questions and answers on bisphenol A (BPA) use in food contact applications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-answers-bisphenol-bpa-use-food-contact-applications. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
  3. Hall JM, et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
  4. Goldman RH, et al. Occupational and environmental risks to reproduction in females: Specific exposures and impact. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 3, 2021.
  5. Trasande L, et al. Food additives and child health. Pediatrics. 2018; doi:10.1542/peds.2018-1408.
  6. Patisaul HB. Achieving CLARITY on bisphenol A, brain and behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 2020; doi:10.1111/jne.12730.
  7. Bao W, et al. Association between bisphenol A exposure and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults. JAMA Network Open. 2020; doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11620.

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Tips to reduce BPA exposure (2024)

FAQs

Tips to reduce BPA exposure? ›

Reduce your use of canned foods. When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids. Use baby bottles that are BPA free.

How to eliminate BPA from body? ›

Another way how to remove BPA from the body is by increasing your fiber intake. Eating foods such as carrots, berries, apples, and nuts gives you plenty of fiber that facilitates your gut movements. It leads to quick digestion and excretes toxins from your system through defecation.

Can you reverse BPA exposure? ›

The timing of BPA and CoQ10 exposures were designed to approximate those in humans, and BPA levels detected inside the worms were proportional to the amounts found in the general human population. The researchers found that CoQ10 improved or reversed multiple types of damage caused by BPA.

What neutralizes BPA? ›

Indeed, the important role of enzymatic antioxidants, e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), or glutathione (GSH) system, in overcoming the harmful effects of BPA has been highlighted in many studies.

How to avoid BPA in drinking water? ›

Keep your plastics cool and avoid heating them in the microwave. BPA and other chemicals have been known to leach into foods when heated. When purchasing water bottles, use a glass water bottle or stainless steel. Same goes for reusable coffee and tea mugs.

What foods detoxify BPA? ›

One way to assist the body in detoxifying BPA is by eating foods that support this specific process. These foods include cruciferous vegetables (such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower), red grapes, and citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons).

What destroys BPA? ›

For those who cannot avoid foods in BPA-lined cans, rinsing the food in water may help lower the level of BPA in the food. Bonus: Rinsing cuts back on other additives too, such as sodium on beans or sweet syrup on fruit. Never heat food in the can.

How to detox plastics from the body? ›

7 Steps to Get Rid of Plastics Toxins
  1. Drink water from your tap. ...
  2. Don't heat food in plastic. ...
  3. Don't use plastic food containers with known issues. ...
  4. Eat more whole and fresh food. ...
  5. Minimize household dust. ...
  6. Choose natural personal care products. ...
  7. Drink green tea.
Mar 6, 2023

How to lower exposure to BPA? ›

If I am concerned, what can I do to prevent exposure to BPA?
  1. Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. ...
  2. Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. ...
  3. Reduce your use of canned foods.
  4. When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.

What are the symptoms of too much BPA? ›

Researchers have linked BPA to developmental and health problems in children, including learning and behavior conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression; early puberty in girls; diabetes; obesity; and heart disease.

Does sweating remove BPA? ›

Chemical elimination

According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to BPA may have possible health effects on the brain and behavior along with a possible link to increased blood pressure. According to a 2011 study , sweat is an effective removal route for BPAs as well as a tool for BPA bio-monitoring.

How long does BPA stay in your body? ›

Although BPA is fat-soluble and thus can accumulate in fatty tissues, animal and human data suggest it tends to be rapidly metabolized, with elimination thought to be virtually complete within 24 hours of acute exposure.

What dissolves BPA? ›

BPA has a fairly high melting point but can be easily dissolved in a broad range of organic solvents including toluene, ethanol and ethyl acetate. It may be purified by recrystallisation from acetic acid with water.

Is BPA in all bottled water? ›

They don't contain BPA now and never did. The truth is, pretty much all plastic water (and soda) bottles are actually made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET. PET is not manufactured from BPA and does not contain BPA at all.

How to remove BPA from water naturally? ›

As a result of this natural solution, water filters containing activated carbon can remove nearly all traces of BPA (99%) from drinking water. If you're using a home filter, just remember to change the filter regularly.

Can you filter out BPA? ›

Advanced filtration processes remove BPA and a slew of other contaminants that might find their way into tap water. With the right filtration system, one can ensure that the water they drink is free from harmful elements, ensuring peace of mind with every sip.

How long does it take for BPA to leave the body? ›

Although BPA is fat-soluble and thus can accumulate in fatty tissues, animal and human data suggest it tends to be rapidly metabolized, with elimination thought to be virtually complete within 24 hours of acute exposure.

How can I reduce my BPA exposure? ›

If I am concerned, what can I do to prevent exposure to BPA?
  1. Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. ...
  2. Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. ...
  3. Reduce your use of canned foods.
  4. When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.

Can BPA be filtered out? ›

Together, hydrogen peroxide and the TAML activators cause BPA to clump together into larger molecules called oligomers. These oligomers are harmless and can easily be filtered out of the water.

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