What Is It?

Bisphenols are a family of chemically similar substances that are the structural components of plastic.[2] There are reportedly more than fifty bisphenol structures, including BPA, BPS, BPF, BPE, and others. A large majority of research conducted on bisphenols has been dedicated to BPA, or Bisphenol A, which can be found in many plastic items with the recycling code #7 or recycling code #3.[9]

Why It Matters

BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a structural component of plastic that is virtually everywhere. The problem with BPA in packaging is that the chemical can migrate from packaging into the food or liquid it contains.[9] High heat or extreme cold (i.e. microwaves, dishwashers, or freezers) can cause BPA to leach faster. Given that so many products are packaged in BPA-containing plastics, exposure to the chemical is widespread, with an overwhelming majority of the population exposed.[9]

Where It’s Found

BPA is found in numerous household products including food storage, water bottles, plastic dishes and cutlery, and food packaging.[9] BPA is also found in epoxy resins that line the inside of beverage cans or canned food items.[15]

Found In

Plastic food storage and packaging
Plastic baby teethers
Plastic baby bottles
Plastic baby pacifiers
Plastic toys
Plastic water bottles
Canned food liners
Thermal receipt paper

The Health Concern

Research on the risks of BPA is well established. BPA is an endocrine disrupting chemical, meaning it can interfere with hormone levels and hormonal communication. Particularly, BPA impacts estrogen receptors in the body,[7][16] and exposure to it is linked to inflammation,[13] ovarian and breast diseases,[13] female and male infertility,[7] early puberty,[18] breast cancer,[10][11] childhood neurological disorders,[6] and more.[7]

The FDA banned the use of BPA-based polycarbonate resins in baby bottles and sippy cups in July 2012, long after manufacturers already discontinued its use in these products due to consumer awareness.[14] This was followed by a ban on the use of BPA-based epoxy resins in infant formula packaging in July 2013.[15] Despite what appears to be efforts to curb BPA exposures, environmental health advocates are unhappy with the FDA’s lack of urgency in regulating BPA, in light of significant action taken by European regulators.[3] A draft report published in 2021 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) acknowledged that adverse health effects associated with BPA can occur at exposure levels 100,000 times lower than initially believed.[3][4]

BPA’s endocrine active capabilities are relevant to human, terrestrial, and aquatic toxicity. The European Union classifies BPA as toxic to aquatic life. Exposure of aquatic life to BPA can disrupt processes related to growth, survival, and reproduction. BPA is not readily biodegradable in seawater, in contrast to its low potential for accumulation in freshwater environments. However, the persistence of BPA in effluent discharges means freshwater aquatic life is consistently exposed. In fact, a meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies investigating the effects of BPA on aquatic organisms found freshwater environments to contain higher levels of BPA on average, compared to marine environments.

Given its classification as an endocrine disruptor, amongst numerous other adverse health effects and environmental prevalence, BPA is best avoided.

How to Avoid It

The good news is that while BPA seems to be everywhere, you can reduce your exposure with some easy changes – and those changes really matter. For example, one study showed that people who stopped eating all canned food and food packaged in plastic for just three days showed a drop of over 60% of BPA levels in their bodies.[12]

Look for packaging made of glass, steel, and porcelain, rather than plastic. When plastic cannot be avoided, choose recycling codes 1, 2, 4, and 5, as these are less toxic plastics.[5]

Buy in bulk. Utilize the bulk bins at your grocery store to reduce the amount of food packaging you come in contact with. Go virtual. When given the option, skip the paper receipt, which can be made of BPA-containing thermal paper,[8] and have your receipt emailed to you. Be wary of BPA-free plastics. These can often be made of other Bisphenols, like BPS.[6] The full extent of the health impacts of other Bisphenols are not yet widely understood by scientists, but are known to leach endocrine disrupting chemicals,[1] so it is best to avoid them. Instead, choose alternative packaging materials as much as possible.