By now, many people have heard about the dangers of BPA, otherwise known as Bisphenol A. The most well-known source of this chemical is in plastic containers, many of which release BPA in our food and beverages. This chemical release is aggravated by significant temperature changes. The potential danger is why we have been warned not to microwave our lunch in plastic containers or freeze our water bottles for a colder drink.
Studies done by the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Breast Cancer Fund have found that canned foods may pose an even greater concern in regards to BPA exposure. When we think about all of the cans sitting in our cupboards, this news could be rather startling. Yet, is the danger real or is it just hype?
BPA Concerns in Foods and Beverages
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common chemical in use within the food packaging industry. This chemical building block is frequently used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic to harden containers such as food storage containers, baby bottles and water bottles. It is also used in epoxy resins to make an anti-bacterial coating in the lining of metal cans manufactured for the food and beverage industry. Unfortunately, the chemical can leech from the container into the food or beverage that will be ingested by people. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 93% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies. More than 200 studies have shown that BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical linked to adverse health effects. Even at very low doses, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, reproductive problems, breast and prostate cancer, altered brain development, lowered sperm count and obesity have been linked in humans. Further research is being done to determine if this chemical is also connected to cases of autism.
Studying BPA in Canned Foods
The HSPH study examined 75 volunteers consuming canned soup during one test period and fresh soup during another test period. After five days, the participants eating the canned soup showed an increase in urine BPA levels of 1221% compared to those eating the fresh soup.
The Breast Cancer Fund conducted a different study to determine levels of BPA found in a typical holiday meal. Examining popular foods such as cranberry sauce, green beans, and gravy, nearly half the products contained dangerous BPA levels in a single serving size. The study found varying levels of BPA found across the same product, even those manufactured by the same company. What’s more, cans that did contain BPA did not always leach the chemical into the food.
These results are more disturbing than previously anticipated. These preliminary findings show an increase in BPA levels, but do not indicate how long the chemical will remain in the body. The study should, however, make people stop and consider the amount of canned foods and beverages they are consuming.
Maybe It’s Just BPA Hype
Only about a month prior, the North American Metal Packaging Alliance, Inc. (NAMPA) was happy to announce findings that suggest that BPA exposure is unlikely to cause health effects. Conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the clinical exposure found that even when people consumed high concentrations of BPA, the amount of free BPA (that which is not metabolized by the body) in the bloodstream was below detectable levels. This research suggests that the amount of BPA entering the body (i.e., via canned foods) does not equate to the free BPA level in the bloodstream since the human body can effectively metabolize and remove BPA from the bloodstream. This study, though, does not indicate how the body metabolizes BPA nor if any damage occurs as the body processes the chemical. It also does not respond to studies showing that with the toxic nature of BPA, even mere parts per trillion affect normal prenatal development.
How to Protect Ourselves from BPA
Food and beverage companies have long touted that human exposure to BPA is harmless. With an EPA study in their favor, it is unlikely that there will be costly industry-wide changes any time soon. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting their own research on the safety of BPA. Some manufacturers of food and beverage containers are not waiting for a federal mandate and have already begun to replace the toxic chemical in their manufacturing process. If you also prefer to be proactive, switch your plastic water bottles and food containers to BPA-free or glass versions. Also keep an eye out for canned food and beverage brands that are now touting BPA-free cans. Or find other alternatives, such as frozen foods, or foods and drinks packaged in BPA-free pouches.
